Ireland Come From Behind To Beat England In Dublin And Begin Six Nations Title Defence 123b2

Watch Ireland Vs England highlights as the hosts’ second-half fight-back saw them overpower England in Dublin and secure a vital opening win in the Guinness Six Nations.

England at the Aviva Stadium.

The hosts started slowly, with England winger Cadan Murley racing onto a kick through from Henry Slade to score a try on debut.

Ireland’s only points of the opening period came from a Jamison Gibson-Park try, making it 10-5 to England at the break.

But the second half saw a much-improved Irish display. The reigning Six Nations champions showed their class, scoring through Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan to put the game out of sight.

England secured a losing bonus point at the end thanks to late scores from Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman. But these did little more than to make the scoreline flatter England, who once again failed to capitalise on a strong start.

A sixth defeat in seven tests for England leaves plenty of question marks over head coach Steve Borthwick.

But for Ireland, interim boss Simon Easterby had a perfect beginning to the campaign, as his side aims to be the first in Six Nations history to win three championships in a row.

Watch: Ireland Vs England Highlights 1a5o51

Speaking after the game, England coach Borthwick said: “Immense credit to Ireland – they are such an experienced team. It was a tough Test match in that third quarter and I thought they did really well.

“That was the critical period and that allowed them to get scoreboard pressure. I am very proud of how our players attacked the game in the first half and came back at the end to score a few tries to get the bonus point.

“The team, against one of the best attacking sides in the world, have improved defensively.”

Meanwhile, Ireland boss Easterby said: “We had to find a way. We felt if we did a few things better in the way we were doing things, then we would get the rewards.

“England defended well and made it tough for us. We are happy with how our set-piece went.

“The guys who started laid a good foundation as it wasn’t easy. It was physical and all you’d expect. The bench benefited from the work done.”

Next week, England host at Twickenham, who thumped Wales 43-0 in Paris on Friday.

For Ireland, their title defence continues on Sunday, as they travel to Edinburgh to play Scotland.