Woodward gets first Grand Slam as coach

England clinched their first Grand Slam of the Clive Woodward era after they stunned Ireland 42-6 at Lansdowne Road today to be crowned RBS 6 Nations champions.

Previous final hurdle failures in 1999, 2000 and 2001, were finally consigned to the history books as England swept past their unbeaten title rivals with tries from Will Greenwood (2), Lawrence Dallaglio, Mike Tindall and substitute Dan Luger.

Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson added 15 points from the boot, including two drop-goals, while Paul Grayson slotted a conversion when he briefly replaced Wilkinson.

Ireland’s points came from fly-half David Humphreys, but their hopes of a first championship clean sweep since 1948 evaporated during the second-half when England scored 29 unanswered points.

England supporters could start cracking open the champagne, and the closing few minutes were almost an anti-climax as Ireland knew the game was up.

Wilkinson was announced as man-of-the-match – a fitting accolade following a brilliant performance from the Newcastle captain – and the red rose brigade went in search of further points.

Ireland’s miserable day was compounded when O’Driscoll limped off and Greenwood claimed his second try – England’s fourth – which was an interception effort.

Wilkinson couldn’t land the final conversion, but England were home and dry, ready for a night of prolonged celebration as Grand Slam champions of Europe.

Deep into injury time, Luger scored try number five, with Wilkinson’s successful conversion being the final kick.