Bowe try gives Ireland narrow lead at the break

England 6 Ireland 8

Tommy Bowe crossed to help Ireland to a narrow half-time lead in today’s RBS Six Nations clash with England.

Bowe crossed with just three minutes on the clock after being set up by a kick ahead from Jonathan Sexton.

Jonny Wilkinson kicked two penalties for England, while Sexton slotted one for Ireland.

Jonny Wilkinson, who was heavily criticised for his performance against Italy, produced a terrible kick-off that just dribbled over the 10-metre line.

England reacted sharply, however, with strong runs from Cueto, Ugo Monye and Wilkinson sweeping them forward.

The bright start lasted only until the fourth minute when a turnover enabled Jamie Heaslip to break free before releasing Sexton who spotted Bowe on his outside.

A perfectly-weighted kick from the rookie fly-half set up a foot race for the line between Bowe and Lewis Moody that was won easily by the Ospreys winger.

Sexton missed the conversion but England’s problems increased when heavyweight second row Simon Shaw limped off and was replaced by Louis Deacon.

Wilkinson directed a routine penalty at the left upright before a promising attack was brought to an end when the Toulon outside-half chipped into the arms of Murphy.

After adjusting his sights, Wilkinson landed three points to see England trail Ireland 5-3 by the end of a first quarter they had controlled.

Rain began to fall heavily, and the conditions became treacherous almost immediately.

Sexton, who had made a composed start, missed a penalty, but was on target in the 30th minute.

Ireland’s efforts to build momentum were being undermined by three kicking errors that saw the ball sent into touch on each occasion.

Keith Earls made a scintillating break as he dashed through three tackles, with prop Tim Payne guilty of the biggest miss, but Danny Care came to England’s rescue on the chip ahead.

Wilkinson kicked his second penalty to slash Ireland’s lead to 8-6, but the champions’ defence was largely untroubled.