Ireland disappointment as England take Grand Slam

Ireland's hopes of a first Grand Slam in 55 years ended in disappointment yesterday, as England put in their finest performance in recent years to trump the Irish 42-6 in Landsdowne Road.

The game vividly illustrated that, despite massive improvement in the quality of Six Nations rugby, there is a considerable gulf between England and the rest.

The English were cohesive, controlled and surgical in sewing up their scoring chances. But where Ireland were competitive – more so than the scoreline suggested – the defensive aspect to the game showed that England are tactically streets ahead.

As Geordan Murphy – Ireland's most potent attacking weapon on the day – threatened time and again the English defensive wall fanned out to cut off space when the ball was finally recycled. The result of all Ireland's efforts was a first-half penalty and drop goal from David Humphreys.

A Lawrence Dallaglio try and a conversion, penalty and drop goal from Jonny Wilkinson saw the teams head for the break with England 13-6 to the better.

But Tindall, Greenwood (twice) and Luger all crossed in what was a superlative second-half performance.

Ireland can reflect upon a performance that was full of passion and pride, but it was nowhere near enough to breach the English defence. For England, they finally overcame the last game bogey which saw them denied the Grand Slam for the past three years.

With the World Cup only months away, England must be viewed as serious contenders. Ireland, for their part, should take pride in their runner up spot as they set about reorganising their defensive strategy.

(GMcG)