Smith last-gasp drop-goal arms England victory

Marcus Smith kicked a last-gasp drop-goal as England surprised Ireland and ended their probability to win back-to-back Grand Slams in a Six Nations thriller at Twickenham.

In an action-packed second half, Lowe opened his account with an acrobatic end within the nook earlier than tries by George Furbank and Ben Earl handed a resurgent England the lead.

Lowe’s second was an equally tremendous end and appeared to clinch Ireland the title earlier than Smith got here off the bench to inflict the guests to a primary Six Nations defeat since Paris in 2022.

Ollie Lawrence opened the scoring for England in a blistering begin however Ireland, chasing historical past of their pursuit of a primary back-to-back Grand Slam within the Six Nations, gained a foothold within the recreation by way of Jack Crowley’s assured boot.

Victory for England retains their faint title hopes alive whereas Ireland can retain their crown with a win over Scotland on the ultimate weekend.

England reply George’s name

Ireland have been overwhelming favourites to stretch their profitable run over England to 5 video games and assert their dominance over the northern hemisphere with one other title however the hosts and their captain Jamie George had different concepts.

George put out a name to arms, reminding the followers how the gamers would valiantly “defend our home” in opposition to Andy Farrell’s Irish invaders.

Twickenham responded with an environment not seen for a while they usually have been rapidly rewarded as England noticed a chance to assault, throwing the ball by way of the arms for Lawrence to attain the primary attempt.

Ireland have been startled, as they have been 12 months in the past on the cusp of the Slam earlier than Freddie Steward was controversially despatched off and the tide turned inexperienced.

Crowley’s 4 penalties overturned the early deficit however England remained disciplined and saved 15 gamers on the sector all through.

Lowe’s first attempt didn’t dampen their attacking intent and extra fast ball resulted in Furbank operating clear to attain his second Test attempt in as many video games earlier than Earl powered over for England’s third.

Ireland have been all the time going to have one other say and Lowe’s second attempt appeared to finish England’s resistance, however Danny Care got here off the bench to win his one hundred and tenth cap and England had a second wind.

The cost to the road gathered momentum earlier than Care fed his Harlequins team-mate Smith to finish Ireland’s shot at historical past and seal a well-known England win within the Steve Borthwick period.

Ireland undone as they fail to heed warning

England have been broadly criticised for his or her lack of attacking ambition of their disappointing defeat by Scotland whereas Ireland regarded supreme with snug wins over France, Italy and Wales of their opening three video games.

The guests have been overwhelming favourites however no-one inside their camp was anticipating a forgone conclusion, with head coach Farrell labelling England an “unbelievably dangerous” workforce.

The guests confirmed indicators of negating England’s blitz defence within the first half earlier than pouring by way of at first of the second for Lowe’s first attempt with Henry Slade barely out of place.

It occurred once more late on with nearly the identical end result as Lowe completed off within the nook – however they have been two moments of exception as Ireland struggled to retain possession.

England managed massive spells of the sport with their aggression within the carry and tenacious defence near the breakdown. George Martin was a menace and his inclusion at lock was vindicated as he charged up on the Ireland line with ferocity.

Ireland are more likely to retain their title on the ultimate weekend after they host Scotland however England can have reminded Scots’ coach Gregor Townsend’s males of the chinks within the inexperienced armour.

Line-ups

England: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George (capt), Cole, Itoje, Martin, Chessum, Underhill, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Cunningham-South, Dombrandt, Care, M Smith, Daly.

Ireland: Keenan; Nash, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; McCarthy, Beirne, O’Mahony (capt), Van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Kelleher, Healy, Bealham, Henderson, Baird, Conan, Murray, Frawley.

Match officers

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)

Touch judges: Andrea Piardi (Italy) & Craig Evans (Wales)

TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)