Ireland’s dreams of becoming the first team in the Six Nations era to claim back-to-back Grand Slams is over after a dramatic defeat at Twickenham. A last-gasp drop goal from super-sub Marcus Smith snapped an 11-game Irish winning streak in this competition and denied them the chance to retain their title with one match to spare.
It was a huge win for Steve Borthwick, with Ollie Lawrence registering an early try after Jack Crowley’s penalty before the Ireland fly-half’s accuracy from the tee had his out-of-sorts side leading at the interval. James Lowe struck to extend the lead after half-time, only for England to hit back through George Furbank and Ben Earl, the second after Irish captain Peter O’Mahony had been sin-binned.
Lowe scored again in the corner with just seven minutes left to play and looked to have the Green Machine rolling once more, only for the hosts to push on and Smith to nail a short-range drop goal with a penalty advantage in front of the posts with the clock in the red. Follow England vs Ireland reaction live below!
England vs Ireland highlights
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DROP GOAL! Smith wins game in added time
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TRY! Lowe scores for the second time late on
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TRY! Earl touches down after O’Mahony yellow card
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TRY! Furbank answers back quickly for England
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TRY! Lowe crosses early in the second half
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Crowley penalties have Ireland ahead at half-time
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TRY! Lawrence scores after early Crowley penalty
Steve Borthwick reaction
Saturday 9 March 2024 20:37 , George Flood
Here’s the England head coach speaking to ITV Sport a little earlier…
England player ratings
Saturday 9 March 2024 20:36 , George Flood
Replacements
Theo Dan (for George, 53): 7
Buzzed about and kept himself busy in order to propel England home.
Joe Marler (for Genge, 53): 7
Made sure England sustained their set-piece dominance as the hosts found a way across the line.
Will Stuart (for Cole, 53): 7
A much-improved showing from the Bath man, and a crucial cameo.
Chandler Cunningham-South (for Underhill, 60): 7
Another gritty, direct showing from an impressively physical young talent. Went off injured.
Alex Dombrandt (for Chessum, 65): 7
Back with a steady hand on the tiller to steer England to a big win.
Danny Care (for Mitchell, 65): 8
Knows exactly how to crank up the tempo and ensured his 100th cap will be one to treasure forever.
Marcus Smith (for Ford, 58): 8
Kept his nerve at the death with that drop goal, but had piloted the attack smartly before that moment too.
Elliot Daly (for Slade, 65): 7
Unlucky to drag his long-range penalty effort wide, but kept his head as the game hit boiling point.
England player ratings
Saturday 9 March 2024 20:34 , George Flood
Forwards
Ellis Genge 7
Bullish in both tight and loose and drove England to a gritty victory.
Jamie George 7
Led from the front and instilled the right amount of confidence and focus on this developing team.
Dan Cole 8
Locked out England’s scrum and put himself about elsewhere too.
Maro Itoje 8
Once again showed why he can mix it with the very best in the toughest of contests.
George Martin 7
A vital physical presence in England’s much-improved showing.
Ollie Chessum 7
Adapted well to moving to blindside flanker and drove England to new heights in the tight exchanges.
Sam Underhill 8
Scavenged on the ground to slow Ireland’s ruck ball all night long.
Ben Earl 9
Yet another barnstorming performance from perhaps England’s most important player, certainly in terms of gaining front-foot ball.
England player ratings
Saturday 9 March 2024 20:33 , George Flood
Backs
George Furbank 6
Took his try well, which offset a string of mistakes. Despite the errors he still adds a big amount in attack.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 8
A relentless thirst for work saw the young Exeter man on the ball frequently. A hugely promising full debut from the 21-year-old.
Henry Slade 5
One poor misread in defence led directly to an Ireland try, and the Exeter centre continues to struggle to transfer his club form to the Test stage.
Ollie Lawrence 8
Back to his bulldozing best to keep Bundee Aki quiet and also plough big inroads into the Ireland backline.
Tommy Freeman 7
A very solid outing from a man growing in confidence in the England shirt.
George Ford 6
Almost looks aware this is his big chance to take control of the No10 shirt. Has not been at his best in the last few weeks but still boasts huge quality.
Alex Mitchell 7
Kept it tight enough at the right times and also tried to push the pace. A vital cog in England’s new era.
Nick Purewal’s match report
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:43 , George Flood
Marcus Smith’s last-gasp drop goal broke Irish hearts and made good on England’s vows to defend Twickenham with all their might, writes Nick Purewal.
Super-sub Smith slotted a stunning winner as England stole a 23-22 victory from Ireland with the final play in a rocking west London.
Andy Farrell’s stunned visitors were left to stand and stare as Smith lined up then banged over the drop goal that thwarted their tilt towards successive Six Nations Grand Slams.
Jamie George invoked an Englishman’s right to defend his castle in ratcheting up the rhetoric before facing the history-chasing Ireland.
If the England captain had looked a little tentative in that sabre-rattling, it turned out there was no need.
The Red Rose men shocked a subdued Ireland, extinguishing the visitors’ bid for unprecedented back-to-back Six Nations clean sweeps – all the while rebuilding that Twickenham citadel.
England 23-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 19:09 , George Flood
Here’s the moment that super-sub Marcus Smith will cherish for a long, long time to come.
His first involvement in this Six Nations after injury after he was expected to be handed the keys to Owen Farrell’s kingdom, teed up no less by new centurion Danny Care on what might well be his final home Test match.
Feels like a long time since we’ve seen such dramatic, euphoric scenes at Twickenham.
Smith’s last-gasp penalty in the 27-26 thriller against South Africa back in the autumn of 2021 springs to mind.
England 23-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:53 , George Flood
What. A. Finish.
England 23-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:42 , George Flood
Ireland will have to wait until the final day to retain their title and their dream of becoming the first team in the Six Nations era to win back-to-back Grand Slams is over in the most dramatic of circumstances.
A Twickenham classic that will live long in the memory.
England 23-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:36 , George Flood
Full-time
Pandemonium at Twickenham as the fans celebrate and Marcus Smith is mobbed by his team-mates!
Absolutely extraordinary – what a finish to a blockbuster game.
DROP GOAL! England 23-22 Ireland | Marcus Smith 81′
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:35 , George Flood
81 mins: England crash the ball closer and closer to the line and have another penalty advantage in front of the posts!
BUT THEY DON’T NEED IT AS MARCUS SMITH NAILS A SHORT-RANGE DROP GOAL TO WIN THE GAME WITH THE CLOCK IN THE RED!
WOW! WHAT A FINISH! ENGLAND WIN!
England 20-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:34 , George Flood
80 mins: England are knocking on the door and have the penalty advantage!
It could yet be more…
England 20-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:33 , George Flood
79 mins: The seconds are ticking down for England as Swing Low bellows out around Twickenham.
What a game this has been!
Can they create one final chance from this lineout just inside the Ireland half?
It’s now or never. Ireland just 60 seconds away from retaining their title.
England 20-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:32 , George Flood
79 mins: A huge defensive set from Ireland at the most critical time and perhaps England’s last real chance gone after a fine break from Smith.
Cunningham-South is hurt here and ends up limping off.
England 20-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:29 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
Once back to 15 men, Ireland found a route back to some kind of poise.
And James Lowe crashed over Marcus Smith to claim his second score and hand Ireland a 22-20 lead.
A thrilling clash could easily go down to the wire here.
England 20-22 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:28 , George Flood
75 mins: Itoje does well to earn a breakdown penalty after Dan’s crashing run into contact.
It’s just inside the Irish half and Daly immediately signals his intent to try a long-range shot at goal with time winding down, though it’s well off target in the end.
Worth a try, but Ireland still have their two-point lead.
TRY! England 20-22 Ireland | James Lowe 72′
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:24 , George Flood
72 mins: Ireland have their go-ahead try!
They have the penalty advantage after the lineout and arrow the ball out left, with Gibson-Park producing a wonderful first-time pass before a huge tackle from Furbank to release Lowe for his second score of the evening.
Crowley can’t hit the conversion and the Irish now lead by two points with less than 10 minutes to play.
England 20-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:23 , George Flood
70 mins: O’Mahony is replaced by Ryan Baird after his sin-binning.
Ireland have a penalty and kick to touch deep inside the England 22.
Is this the chance?
England 20-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:22 , George Flood
68 mins: That’s a monster turnover won by Earl at the breakdown as Ireland are thwarted again.
England’s best player at the World Cup is standing up to be counted once again here. Brilliant.
England 20-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:20 , George Flood
66 mins: Finlay Bealham and Jack Conan came on for Ireland a little while ago, replacing Furlong and Van der Flier.
Ronan Kelleher also on for Sheehan at hooker and Iain Henderson into the second row.
Danny Care is on for his 100th England cap, in place of Mitchell.
Alex Dombrandt and Elliot Daly also replace Chessum and Slade.
Chandler Cunningham-South has also come on for Underhill.
England 20-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:17 , George Flood
63 mins: More Ireland pressure now and they look to be in through Keenan, but the whistle has gone for a knock-on forced by Itoje on Gibson-Park.
A critical intervention from the Saracens star.
England 20-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:15 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
A monster rally from England has seen the hosts reclaim the lead.
Ben Earl’s brutal break led to a yellow card for Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony.
Then Earl finished what he started by stretching out and dotting down.
Replacement fly-half Marcus Smith’s conversion has edged England into a 20-17 lead, heading into the final quarter.
TRY! England 20-17 Ireland | Ben Earl 60′
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:11 , George Flood
60 mins: Earl powers his way over!
He started the move with that awesome break, prompted the O’Mahony yellow and now gets the ball over the line after being chopped down in the tackle.
Sheer determination and strength.
A simple conversion is added by Marcus Smith and England now have a three-point lead.
We have a grandstand final quarter ahead at Twickenham!
England 13-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:10 , George Flood
59 mins: Ireland’s 14 men are defending for all they’re worth amid wave after wave of close-range pressure and powerful carrying from the England forwards as Chessum is wrapped up against the post by Sheehan.
But England will not be denied.
Marcus Smith is on for George Ford, by the way.
England 13-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:09 , George Flood
57 mins: A stunning, slaloming line break from Earl, who is eventually brought down by O’Mahony – who then dives over the ruck to kill the ball and is deservedly in trouble.
It’s a yellow card and Ireland will be without their influential captain for a crucial period in this game.
England are pressing hard to make their numerical advantage count straightaway…
England 13-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:06 , George Flood
55 mins: England are under pressure again here as Ireland look to turn the screw and try to pull away with 25 minutes left to play at Twickenham.
Frawley has joined Nash in failing his HIA, so Murray will stay on at scrum-half and Gibson-Park remain out of position out on the wing.
A couple of concerning blows for Ireland.
England 13-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:05 , George Flood
54 mins: England have now changed their entire front row early in this second half.
Joe Marler, Theo Dan and Will Stuart replace Ellis Genge, Jamie George and Dan Cole.
England 13-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 18:03 , George Flood
52 mins: It’s frantic stuff now, with Frawley off for Ireland and jogging straight down the tunnel as scrum-half Conor Murray comes on.
Ireland only had two backs on the bench to start this game and one of those was Frawley, who stayed on after Nash failed his HIA early on.
So that’s Murray to scrum-half and starting 9 Gibson-Park to the wing.
England 13-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:58 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
Furbank races in for a try to offer a big personal boost after his torrid end to the first half.
The Northampton full-back took a scoring pass from Itoje as England caught Ireland short on the blindside.
England cut the Irish lead to 17-13, in a turbulent encounter.
TRY! England 13-17 Ireland | George Furbank 48′
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:56 , George Flood
48 mins: Another absolutely breathless start to a half in this game!
Superb attacking play from England, who have numbers on the blindside and second-row duo Martin and Itoje combine to send Furbank scampering through.
Groans from the stands though as Ford shanks another kick. from the tee.
England 8-17 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:55 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
James Lowe races into the left corner for a smart try – but Ireland crashed through a huge chasm left by a terrible defensive read from Henry Slade.
The Exeter centre raced out all on his own and Crowley had the presence of mind to send Doris through the gap.
A horror-show mistake from Slade and England, and now Ireland lead 17-8.
TRY! England 8-17 Ireland | James Lowe 44′
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:51 , George Flood
44 mins: A dream start to the second half from Ireland!
England had been on the front foot to start the second 40, getting a scrum but unable to test the Irish defence.
Instead their own defensive unit is shredded as Ireland create an overload down the left after quick ball through the hands and Lowe sprints clear to touch down in the corner.
A rare miss from Crowley from the tee means the lead stays at nine points… for now.
England 8-12 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:48 , George Flood
Back underway at Twickenham!
Will Ireland pull away here to retain their Six Nations title, or can England hit back?
England 8-12 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:48 , George Flood
The ITV cameras showed former Saracens team-mates Andy Farrell and Steve Borthwick exchanging heated words as they went down the tunnel at half-time.
Not sure what that was about, but Farrell looked particularly animated.
England 8-12 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:47 , George Flood
Not a good omen for England…
0 – England v Ireland is the only match-up in #GuinnessM6N history that has never seen either team win after trailing at halftime; the last time either side came from behind at the break to win in a Test between the sides was in 1996 (🏴12-15☘️ at HT, 🏴28-15☘️ at FT). Task.
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) March 9, 2024
England 8-12 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:40 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
Furbank endured two minutes to forget on the stroke of half-time, that handed Ireland the advantage.
First he knocked on cheaply in a set play, then carried James Lowe’s howitzer kick into touch trying to be clever by keeping the ball in play.
All he wound up doing was to gift Ireland a lineout on the edge of the England 22.
The hosts then ended up happy to escape by just conceding a penalty.
Ireland carry a 12-8 lead into the break, and Andy Farrell’s men have hardly had to do anything substantive for that advantage.
England 8-12 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:34 , George Flood
Half-time
PENALTY! England 8-12 Ireland | Jack Crowley 40′
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:34 , George Flood
40 mins: No mistake again from the Munster fly-half.
Despite being out-of-sorts for much of this first 40 minutes and well below their usual sky-high standards, Ireland will still take a lead into the break.
Such frustration for England, who have played one of their best halves under Borthwick to date.
England 8-9 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:33 , George Flood
39 mins: Ireland can’t find a way through after the lineout, but they have another penalty advantage for offside.
Crowley will look to notch his fourth penalty of this first half to give the Grand Slam-chasers a four-point lead at the interval.
England 8-9 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:31 , George Flood
38 mins: A rough couple of minutes for Furbank, who knocks on to halt an England attack after Henshaw’s hit.
Lowe booms a massive kick in behind after an Irish scrum, which Furbank takes but he loses his bearings while trying to keep the ball alive and steps on the line.
England under big pressure now with half-time looming.
These feel like potentially crucial minutes in the game…
England 8-9 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:29 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
Ireland claim the lead through Crowley’s third penalty, to end a disappointing sequence for England.
Ford missed a regulation penalty shot, then miscued two kicks out of hand to follow up.
When England then inexplicably sent Ollie Chessum crashing into contact without support, Ireland won a turnover penalty and promptly claimed a one-point lead.
PENALTY! England 8-9 Ireland | Jack Crowley 35′
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:27 , George Flood
35 mins: The game enters something of a lull, but Ireland wind up with a turnover penalty just inside the England half after Chessum is isolated in the tackle.
It initially looked like Crowley had missed, but the ball actually just snuck over and suddenly Ireland lead, despite being firmly second best for the most part in this game so far.
England 8-6 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:22 , George Flood
31 mins: He’ll want that one back.
A very poor effort from Ford is sliced well wide to the right.
For all England have impressed in the opening half an hour at Twickenham, their lead is still just two points.
England 8-6 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:21 , George Flood
29 mins: Ireland are struggling to contain Lawrence here and he smashes his way through Crowley and Van der Flier, getting past the gain line.
England sustain quick ball and end up with a penalty for offside, I think against Aki.
A long kick at goal coming up from Ford…
England 8-6 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:20 , George Flood
28 mins: Ireland hold up the ball carrier and have a scrum, attacking quickly off it as Gibson-Park aims a nice kick into England territory.
England win a penalty at the lineout for an early move by Ireland and it’s kicked to touch.
England 8-6 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:16 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
England are adamant there was a head-high shot on Ellis Genge from Ireland. But the officials say there is nothing untoward.
England captain Jamie George is not happy but the game continues.
Lawrence sauntered across the line but a knock-on from Furbank chalked off a possible try. England still lead 8-6 in an absorbing encounter.
England 8-6 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:15 , George Flood
25 mins: NO TRY!
It’s a clear knock-on from Furbank as he battled with Frawley for possession of the loose ball after that clever Lawrence kick.
A let-off for Ireland, but this is such an uncharacteristic performance from them so far, particularly in defence.
They are really struggling at Twickenham.
England excellent so far.
England 8-6 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:14 , George Flood
25 mins: Lawrence is in again after trying a little chip through and picking up and dotting down the loose ball after a battle between Frawley and Furbank.
England celebrate their second try, but that looked like an obvious knock-on from Furbank and the TMO is checking.
England 8-6 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:12 , George Flood
24 mins: England go to the front of the lineout and Earl almost bursts through!
Ireland rip the ball free and clear, but England come roaring back through Furbank and Feyi-Waboso.
An absolutely rip-roaring contest so far, this. Incredible tempo.
England 8-6 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:11 , George Flood
23 mins: Ford tries another drop-goal attempt, this one is firmly blocked.
Ireland are whistled for another infringement and the ball is punted to the corner as England decline the chance for three points from the tee…
England 8-6 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:10 , George Flood
21 mins: England are straight back onto the offensive as an error sees Ireland bundled back into touch.
Chessum has hurt himself here during a hit on the formidable Aki.
PENALTY! England 8-6 Ireland | Jack Crowley 21′
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:08 , George Flood
21 mins: That feels like an important kick for Ireland as Crowley slots another straightforward effort after Lawrence is whistled offside at the breakdown.
England 8-3 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:06 , George Flood
19 mins: Another early blow for Ireland as Calvin Nash has apparently failed his head injury assessment.
Ciaran Frawley stays on.
England 8-3 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:05 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
England spurned two visits to the Ireland 22 with loose errors, but then pull off a fine break with interventions from Feyi-Waboso and Earl, allowing Ford to slot a penalty.
So far, so good with an 8-3 lead inching towards the end of the first quarter.
PENALTY! England 8-3 Ireland | George Ford 17′
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:05 , George Flood
17 mins: Ford’s kick sneaks inside the far post and the early England lead grows to five points.
Steve Borthwick will be absolutely delighted with what he’s seen from his side so far here.
Can they keep it up?
England 5-3 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:03 , George Flood
14 mins: It is so rare to see Ireland put so seriously under the cosh like this.
They are under constant, relentless early pressure, with England coming at them in waves and bursting over the gain line.
Another infringement from a ragged Irish defence gives George Ford a three-point chance from the tee as he tries a drop goal with a penalty advantage.
England 5-3 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:00 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
England look pumped up and fully focused for this. The attack already looks the sharpest it has been in the tournament.
The challenge is for England to capitalise on their territory and possession.
England 5-3 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 17:00 , George Flood
12 mins: England have all the early momentum here as they pile on constant pressure, Slade teeing up Exeter team-mate Feyi-Waboso for a slaloming run.
Furbank tries a little grubber through that is deflected and picked up by a green shirt, who is promptly bundled into touch for another England lineout.
England 5-3 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:59 , George Flood
Here is the opening try of the afternoon from Ollie Lawrence…
England 5-3 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:58 , George Flood
10 mins: Opportunity lost this time for England as Van der Flier wins the breakdown battle to earn a pressure-relieving penalty in the 22 for Ireland.
But they’ve lost the lineout and here come England again, Feyi-Waboso looking lively on his full debut…
England 5-3 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:56 , George Flood
8 mins: Keenan’s knock-on under pressure leads to a scrum penalty for England, who boom into touch downfield.
Like they did in the opening exchanges at Murrayfield, England have some confidence about them early on here.
Nash is off for a HIA by the way after that England try. Ciaran Frawley is on.
England 5-3 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:56 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
A blistering start from both teams, with Ireland attacking neatly before Crowley slotting a penalty – but England claiming a fine try through Ollie Lawrence.
Tommy Freeman sat Calvin Nash down, and when the ball went wide Lawrence paced through the gap left by the absent wing to score in the corner.
England gained the better of those two exchanges with a 5-3 lead, and Nash copped a possible head injury for his troubles.
TRY! England 5-3 Ireland | Ollie Lawrence 5′
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:50 , George Flood
5 mins: What a response from England!
They counter-attack brilliantly and force an overload out left after working the ball through the hands at speed with Ireland’s defence scrambling.
After Nash is floored by Freeman, Lawrence delivers a savage hand-off to Crowley on Nash’s wing and finishes in the left corner.
The conversion from Ford is off target. 5-3 to England it stays.
A breathless start at Twickenham!
PENALTY! England 0-3 Ireland | Jack Crowley 3′
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:49 , George Flood
3 mins: No mistake from Ireland’s successor to Johnny Sexton.
England trail early at Twickenham.
England 0-0 Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:48 , George Flood
2 mins: Ireland look to get their attack firing early as Van der Flier finds the gap through the middle.
Their forwards carry well and hard with pace, leading to the opening penalty of the afternoon as England are whistled for offside.
Ireland already with the chance for three points as Crowley lines up the first kick at goal…
England vs Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:47 , George Flood
Underway at Twickenham!Can England derail Ireland’s bid for historic back-to-back Grand Slam titles?
Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli is today’s referee.
Danny Care set for 100th England cap
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:42 , George Flood
A lovely moment as Danny Care walks out with his kids to soak up the adulation from the crowd ahead of what will be his 100th cap off the bench.
The veteran Harlequins scrum-half is just the sixth England player ever to achieve that feat, after Ben Youngs, Jason Leonard, Owen Farrell, Dan Cole and Courtney Lawes.
The rest of the players follow and it’s time for the national anthems on a grey and overcast afternoon at Twickenham.
Ireland’s Call to be followed by God Save the King…
England vs Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:36 , George Flood
Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Twickenham
England have spent the week freely accepting their underdog status – now they have to embrace it and turn that on its head.
Both boss Steve Borthwick and captain Jamie George installed Ireland as the best team in the world in midweek.
Now the Red Rose men have to find a way to derail Ireland’s bid for unprecedented back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams.
Few people outside the England camp have given the hosts any chance.
To pull off a stunning victory, England will need their best performance in years.
England vs Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:35 , George Flood
Final preparations at Twickenham!
England vs Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:31 , George Flood
Let’s turn the attention now back to Twickenham, with kick-off less than 15 minutes away.
It’s fair to say that Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal is not optimistic about England’s chances of upsetting the rampant Green Machine…
Italy celebrate rare Six Nations triumph in Rome
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:21 , George Flood
Just look what it all means to those Italy players.
Fabulous scenes in Rome as they lift the Cuttitta Cup for the first time.
Though Gregor Townsend will be absolutely seething….
Italy stun Scotland for first home Six Nations win in 11 years
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:12 , George Flood
What an absolutely stunning second half in Rome, where Italy have just held on to beat Scotland for the first time since 2015, 31-29.
They win only their second Six Nations game in nine years, and first at home for some 11 years.
They are unbeaten in back-to-back Six Nations games for the first time since 2011, and were the width of a post in Lille away from winning back-to-back matches against strong opposition in France and Scotland.
Tears on the pitch at the Stadio Olimpico. What progress they are making already under new head coach Gonzalo Quesada.
England’s three-point win in Rome on opening weekend suddenly doesn’t look too shabby at all…
Andy Farrell expecting ‘one hell of a battle’ at Twickenham
Saturday 9 March 2024 16:00 , George Flood
Few give this lacklustre England iteration much hope at all of realistically derailing Ireland’s historic double Grand Slam bid, but Andy Farrell said he was anticipating “one hell of a battle” at Twickenham this afternoon.
“I’ve no doubt that England would have loved to have put the best performance out against Scotland and come away with the victory there,” he said.
“But I’ve no doubt now that over the last two weeks that concentrates their mind to have another chance to have a crack at us.
“You expect them to be at their best and if they’re at their best you expect them to be as hard as anyone in world rugby to beat.
“I don’t get involved with the criticism at all.
“I look at the individuals the way that they’re playing, the coaching staff that they got, the plan that they’ve got, a fantastic side that is going to be preparing to give it everything they’ve got at the weekend, so that makes them unbelievably dangerous.
“We just prepare for them to be at their best and if that’s the case it’s going to be one hell of a battle.”
Free-flowing Grand Slam seekers will provide stiffest England test
Saturday 9 March 2024 15:45 , George Flood
England held summit meetings at York Community Stadium last week in a room previously occupied for police taser training, writes Nick Purewal.
The stun-guns had been removed for safe keeping, much to Richard Wigglesworth’s chagrin. The attack coach only half-joked that England would fancy deploying the high-voltage devices on a few of the assembled media.
If anything needs a spark of electricity, though, it is England’s new-look gameplan. Facing peerless Ireland at Twickenham today could well be another serious shock to the system — and even if England can conjure a performance of bite and substance, they could still be in jeopardy of a heavy loss.
England traipsed north last week for a sold-out open training session, but also for clear-the-air talks after the sobering 30-21 defeat by Scotland last month. The reviews will have been more straight-talking than soul-searching, with head coach Steve Borthwick resisting the temptation to pile into his players after an alarming Murrayfield error count.
Borthwick saw the England shirt weigh heavily on his players for the first time in his reign, as they slipped entirely off the pace.
Read the match preview in full here
Saturday 9 March 2024 15:41 , George Flood
A great reception for the England squad on that extended entrance walk at Twickenham…
Borthwick tells full debutant Feyi-Waboso to ‘get that ball in your hands’
Saturday 9 March 2024 15:30 , George Flood
All eyes will be on Immanuel Feyi-Waboso today as the Exeter wing looks to produce a memorable full debut at senior international level.
He has impressed in his short cameos off the bench so far after England won the battle with Wales for his services, scoring as a late replacement at Murrayfield.
Now he will be expected to impact the game from the off, having returned to the fold after missing a three-day training camp in York last week as the result of an Exeter University medical exam that could only be completed in person.
“When I watch Manny, I see his ability to come off the wing and pop up off scrum-half – as he did against Scotland – and pop up inside and outside fly-half,” Steve Borthwick said this week.
“I have seen him several times pop up in the middle and do a pick and go at the ruck because he wants the ball in his hands. That is the encouragement I have for him – get that ball in his hands.
“After I told him he was starting, he was very grateful and thanked me numerous times then asked me ‘what do you want from me?’.
“I said ‘find the ball and get it in your hands’. There are some nuances, but the message was ‘I want you to get the ball in your hands as many times as possible’.”
Saturday 9 March 2024 15:18 , George Flood
A great shot of the Ireland team arriving at Twickenham earlier this afternoon.
No shortage of Irish fans at HQ today…
Borthwick: Players feeling the weight of the England shirt
Saturday 9 March 2024 15:11 , George Flood
Speaking in the build-up to this afternoon’s game, Steve Borthwick confessed for the first time after another frustratingly error-strewn display at Murrayfield that expectation had been weighing heavily on his players during this Six Nations campaign.
“We know that against Scotland there were errors,” said Borthwick on Thursday.
“It’s probably the first time in a while I’d seen the weight of the shirt feels heavy on the players. We’ve worked around that and to develop that.
“We try to make an environment where the players enjoy it, where we know mistakes are going to be made, but still continue to do the right things.
“I back the players. Yes we made errors. We’re disappointed in the performance and we’re disappointed in the result.
“I’ve made some of changes to the team but I believe in these players.
“I sense a determination in them to put in a performance this weekend and there has been ever since the end of that Scotland game.”
Dallaglio: Stopping Ireland at source is England’s best route to victory
Saturday 9 March 2024 15:01 , George Flood
Steve Borthwick deserves praise for holding his nerve in selection this weekend, writes Lawrence Dallaglio.
There has been a tendency to panic in defeat and indulge in wholesale changes.
England no doubt took a step backwards in defeat by Scotland, but Borthwick’s decision to stick to his guns will help rebuild confidence among his players.
I was involved in some difficult review sessions after defeats, and they are like a horror show. But that never happened two weeks running, put it that way.
It is up to the players to atone for the Scotland defeat, and Borthwick has given the bulk of them that chance.
Not only must England eradicate the alarming error count to face a superb Ireland side, their transition from attack into defence if they do lose the ball must be greatly improved.
Scotland seized on every single England mistake, and Borthwick’s side made Gregor Townsend’s men look better than they are.
Click here to read his Standard Sport column in full
Men’s 2025 Six Nations fixture list in full
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:52 , George Flood
Here are those men’s 2025 Six Nations fixtures in full:
January 31 – France v Wales (2015)
February 1 – Scotland v Italy (1415), Ireland v England (1645)
February 8 – Italy v Wales (1415) England v France (1645)
February 9 – Scotland v Ireland (1500)
February 22 – Wales v Ireland (1415), England v Scotland (1645)
February 23 – Italy v France (1500)
March 8 – Ireland v France (1415), Scotland v Wales (1645)
March 9 – England v Italy (1500)
March 15 – Italy v Ireland (1415), Wales v England (1645), France v Scotland (2000)
England to start 2025 Six Nations with tough Ireland trip
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:47 , George Flood
The men’s Six Nations fixtures for 2025 have been confirmed this afternoon, with this fixture falling on opening weekend next year.
Ireland will host England in Dublin in round one, before the Red Rose side have three consecutive home matches against France, Scotland and Italy.
England finish their campaign away against Wales in Cardiff on the final day.
Ireland, meanwhile, follow that opening match with trips to Scotland and Wales, hosting France and then travelling to Italy.
England vs Ireland prediction
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:38 , George Flood
It is extremely difficult to see how England can hope to spoil Ireland’s dreams of successive Six Nations Grand Slams today.
The Men in Green are currently operating on a completely different level to any other team in the northern hemisphere and maybe even the world, ruthless, physical, confident and so remarkably well-drilled with such a settled team that is in stark contrast to the constant chopping and changing of new-look England.
There were aspects of the home wins over Italy and Wales that weren’t quite up to standard, but ultimately they were both still extremely comfortable results.
A trip to Twickenham will hold absolutely no fear for Ireland, who have consistently got the better of England in recent years and often with a handy numerical advantage.
England were on the front foot and aggressive early on against Scotland, but were lax and punished thereafter. It is hard not to foresee a similar scenario here, but with the potential for the punishment to be far more severe, particularly if they lose their discipline as has often been the case in this fixture.
After a shock run to the World Cup semi-finals in the autumn that followed a truly dismal 2023 prior to that, Borthwick’s side have yet to find their footing at the Six Nations and, with a tough trip to France to come on Super Saturday, face the worrying but very real prospect of winning only two matches in the competition for the fourth year in succession.
Ireland to win, by 15 points.
Ireland lineup
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:35 , George Flood
Ireland XV: Keenan; Nash, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; McCarthy, Beirne; O’Mahony (c), Van der Flier, Doris
Replacements: Kelleher, Healy, Bealham, Henderson, Baird, Conan, Murray, Frawley
England lineup
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:35 , George Flood
England XV: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George (c), Cole; Itoje, Martin; Chessum, Underhill, Earl
Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Cunningham-South, Dombrandt, Care, M Smith, Daly
Ireland team news
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:33 , George Flood
There is just one solitary change to the Ireland team that started the 31-7 win over Wales in Dublin two weeks ago, with star full-back Hugo Keenan now over his knee trouble and replacing Ciaran Frawley, who is on the bench as one of only two backs along with Conor Murray.
Garry Ringrose is back in training after his shoulder injury suffered with Leinster back in January, though does not yet return to Andy Farrell’s matchday squad as Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw continue as the first-choice centre pairing.
Ireland have lost the services of lock James Ryan with a freak biceps injury suffered in training, with his place on the bench today taken by Iain Henderson, who has shaken off a toe complaint.
Prop Finlay Bealham is back in the squad as Oli Jager misses out with a knee issue, but Keenan’s return leads to Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey dropping out altogether.
England team news
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:26 , George Flood
There are three personnel changes to the England lineup that started the Duhan van der Merwe-inspired 30-21 defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield a fortnight ago, with flying Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – who scored his first international try off the bench in that game – replacing Elliot Daly out wide.
George Ford keeps his place at fly-half despite the return to fitness of Marcus Smith, who is on the bench after a calf injury suffered in a pre-Six Nations training camp as Fin Smith misses out.
George Furbank also retains his starting spot at full-back as Freddie Steward misses out completely once again, with Alex Mitchell back from a knee problem to retake his place at scrum-half.
Deputy Danny Care is poised to earn his 100th senior England cap off the bench.
In the pack, Steve Borthwick has opted for the heft of Leicester lock George Martin alongside Maro Itoje, pushing Ollie Chessum out to blindside flanker as Ethan Roots drops out.
Joining Marcus Smith back on the bench is Harlequins team-mate Alex Dombrandt, who is set for his first England appearance since missing out on the World Cup squad in the autumn.
How to watch England vs Ireland
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:19 , George Flood
TV channel: England vs Ireland is being broadcast live and free-to-air in the UK today on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 4:20pm after the conclusion of Italy vs Scotland from Rome on the same channel.
Live stream: A live stream service can also be accessed for free online via the ITVX app and ITVX website.
Welcome to England vs Ireland live coverage
Saturday 9 March 2024 14:15 , George Flood
England face a daunting task to try and halt or at least slow the Ireland juggernaut as the Six Nations focus switches to Twickenham this afternoon.
Andy Farrell’s brilliant side are arguably the best team on the planet right now despite their latest World Cup heartbreak in the autumn, avoiding any potential hangover with three commanding victories to open 2024 and move them within just two more of achieving the historic feat of becoming the first team ever to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles in the Six Nations era.
Ireland have won 11 matches in a row now in the Six Nations after brushing aside France, Italy and Wales this year, with Scotland their final opponents in Dublin on Super Saturday.
They are strong favourites to make it five wins in succession against England and a second in a row against Twickenham, with Steve Borthwick’s side searching for consistency after scrappy opening victories over Italy and Wales were followed by a fourth straight painful Calcutta Cup defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield a fortnight ago.
A somewhat new-look Red Rose outfit have failed to kick on from that unexpected run to the World Cup semi-finals and with a trip to France to come on the final day, look in serious danger of winning two and losing three of their five Six Nations fixtures for the fourth year on the bounce to leave question marks over the direction of Borthwick’s project.
Kick-off in today’s second game in round four is at 4:45pm GMT, so stay tuned for comprehensive match build-up, all the latest team news and lineups and live minute-by-minute updates, plus expert analysis from Standard Sport’s rugby correspondent Nick Purewal at Twickenham.
