Juat a narrow Ireland win over England keep the Grand Slam dream for Ireland very much alive. It wasn’t the prettiest game but it surely was a hard earned one point victory at the end of 80 minutes.
England had a golden chance to take the victory at Croke Park thanks to only two of the six successfully landed kicks by Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara, but their own indiscipline and two yellow cards handed the victory to the home side.
An untidy opening, scrappy and unattractive play with possession continually kicked away, that was very much a picture of the first half. Ireland having the better of the possession with only one converted penalty and England applying a bit of pressure just before the half-time and levelling the score with a simple penalty from in front of the posts.
The second half was a more entertaining one, although it started with another unsuccessful penalty by Ronan O’Gara as his effort struck a post. It was then Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll who lifted home crowded Croke Park with a fine drop-goal soon afterwards.
Ireland began to mount pressure with England warned about infringements and some nasty-looking clashes on O’Driscoll. And it was yet again the Ireland captain who powered over the line scoring his 35th international try 20 minutes from the end of second half.
England tried to hit back and even reduced the deficit to just five points but it was yet another yellow card that cost them. After replacement Care was sent to sin bin England were left to rue their indiscipline after Delon Armitage’s late try and Andy Goode’s conversion, but it was too late to mount another meaningful attack.
Relieved Ireland remain the only unbeaten side in the championship, after France beating Wales in Paris last night, with Declan Kidney’s men on top with six points, followed by Wales and France on four each.
Ireland – England match slideshow
