Italy gave Ireland an unexpected boost by beating Scotland earlier in the day on Saturday (31-29). A simple draw against England was enough for the XV du Trèfle to win the VI Nations Rugby Tournament, for the second year in a row. But on the Twickenham pitch, Andy Farrell’s men were overwhelmed in the final seconds of the game by a drop scored by Marcus Smith, thus giving victory to the XV de la Rose. If Ireland can still believe in the title, their dream of a second consecutive Grand Slam, a performance never achieved since the French in 1997 and 1998, has vanished against the unleashed English.
This time, the XV de la Rose dived very hard, from the start, with a first try from Ollie Lawrence (4th, 5-3), before crossing the goal again twice, within reach light from George Furbank (47th, 13-17) and Ben Earls (61st, 18-17). Ireland was surprised by the speed set by the English, contrary to the anticipation scenario described by Andy Farrell.
A MOMENT THAT WILL LIVE LONG IN THE MEMORY! pic.twitter.com/9Fz3aYnfWJ
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 9, 2024
England back in the race
“It’s like watching Ireland play in a white jersey,” said Matt Dawson, 2003 world champion with England, on the BBC. With this tactic, the English managed to crumble a green wall that neither Italy (36-0), nor Wales (31-7 with a penalty try), had managed to cross, and that the French were a little damaged, with two tries, without preventing a heavy defeat 38-17.
Irish firepower, symbolized by three previous enhanced victories (four tries or more) in the Tournament, has also been reduced. She had to settle for an insufficient double from winger James Lowe (44th, 73rd). The English euphoria, however, was almost dampened by the lack of success at the foot of George Ford, the fly-half chosen by Steve Borthwick during the Tournament in the absence of Owen Farrell, withdrawn from the national team.
The coach brought out his clumsy striker at the hour mark to bring in Marcus Smith, the one who was expected with the No.10 behind his back, but who was injured just before the start of the Tournament. After four matches, Ireland (1st with 16 points) keeps its destiny in hand to keep its trophy before welcoming Scotland (3rd, 11 pts), but England (2nd, 12 pts) returned to the race before finishing his Tournament in France next Saturday.