Analysis: Borthwick's plans in shreds as Pollock and Co bend the knee to green machine

A whole haberdasher’s worth of experience, led by the peerless Gibson-Park, tormented their younger and more hopeful hosts

BLONDES HAVE LESS FUN: Ireland's Josh van der Flier tackles England's Henry Pollock. Pic: INPHO

So it looks as if it might have been a bubble. England’s 12-match winning run came to a shuddering halt last week, but it was possible to believe that flop might prove a one-off – a chastened Scotland at home, after all, has been the downfall of many an England team.

Well, there are scattered strips of latex all over Twickenham now, England’s balloon more than spectacularly popped by an Ireland side who are hardly afraid of inspirational rugby against this lot themselves.