Six Nations: Excellent Irish victory over England

Final score: Ireland 20, England 14

Ireland recorded their first victory over England since 1994 and in the process wreck the visitors Grand Slam dreams for the third year in-a-row.

Early on outhalves Jonny Wilkinson and David Humphreys swapped penalty kicks. Then on 17 mins, the game exploded as captain Keith Wood led by example to crash over the English line after a wonderful lineout move involving Mick Galwey and Anthony Foley.

Humphreys never reached the kicking success of last week in Cardiff but added another penalty to Ireland’s tally, which was later cancelled out by Wilkinson. At half-time Ireland led by five points and the margin flattered the visitors.

Humphreys drew first blood after the interval but Wilkinson soon added his third successful penalty kick.

However, two penalty kicks by Ronan O’Gara - on for Humphreys - put Ireland well on the road to victory but England hit back with a try by Austin Healy ensuring a tense end.

It proved too little too late as stout Irish defending won the day.

Ireland:

Humphreys 3 pens

O’Gara pen 2 pens

Wood try

England:

Wilkinson pens 3

Healy try