Are Ireland now in transition?

When all the talking was done, and there was plenty of it in the build-up to this latest instalment of Anglo-Irish sporting relations, it just came down to power and the execution of it.

England had it, not least through the rampaging carrying of the peerless Billy Vunipola, and after a dominant first half in which they failed to make the most of it in the face of resolute Irish defence, they finally found the clinical finishing touches to earn their reward.

Two tries within five minutes around the hour mark put daylight between these sides and keep rejuvenated England on course for a first Grand Slam since 2003.