A poor display of discipline by England helped 14-man Ireland destroy them 32-18 in their final match of this year’s Six Nations.
Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton was in top form converting all six of his kicks at goal for 22 points, while the hosts also scored two tries through Keith Earls and Jack Conan.
The one blotch on Ireland’s afternoon was the dismissal of Bundee Aki late in the second half for a high tackle on Billy Vunipola. It wasn’t until his dismissal that England were able to breach the Irish defence as Ben Youngs and Jonny May both scored tries.
Dream first half for Ireland
The first Irish try came from Earls after what looked like a training ground move from the line-out. Ireland threw long and passed the ball to the inside runner Earls who ran a perfect line to score as he dodged the attempted England tacklers.
Ireland pushed their way through again before half-time this time through Conan. The men in green had a penalty advantage as they smashed through the England defence once again with Conan the beneficiary.
The try summed up England’s tournament as their discipline issues on Saturday mirrored their woes all tournament. It is one of the main reasons why Eddie Jones’ side have been so poor this campaign. At the Aviva Stadium England managed to concede 12 penalties – allowing Sexton to register 18 points from the boot alone.
Bundee Aki’s red card
Ireland were in the ascendancy but their momentum was halted when Aki was given his marching orders after hitting Vunipola in a high tackle. The centre can count himself unlucky as he went in high on a low Vunipola, meaning his shoulder made direct contact with the England number eight’s head.
England produced something of a fightback when Youngs scored a try a minute after Aki’s dismissal. From the red-card penalty England kicked to the corner for a line-out. From the set-piece, the forwards created a maul which allowed Youngs to snipe and run through to score. Elliot Daly, who took over kicking duties from captain Owen Farrell was forced off, missed the conversion.
England had a glimmer of hope now but failed to capitalise on that due to poor discipline again. With 10 minutes left they gave away two quick penalties and Ireland extended their lead to 32-11, which all but ended the contest.
With minutes left, England managed to score a second try as Ireland were reduced to 13 men with Conor Murray sent to the sin bin. The visitors made the numerical advantage count as an overlap allowed May to run in and score. Daly quickly scored the conversion, but it wasn’t enough to rescue a completely dire performance from England.
Where does this leave both sides in the standings?
This performance cements England’s position of fifth in the championship. One of their worst overall performances in recent years.
Ireland end the tournament in third but that could change with France having a game in hand.
Overall it was a disappointing championship for both teams which the competitiveness of the Six Nations.
By Joe Hayhurst
