England 23-22 Ireland: Marcus Smith’s last-gasp drop-goal palms England thrilling win

Marcus Smith kicked a last-gasp drop-goal as England surprised Ireland and ended their probability to win back-to-back Grand Slams in a Six Nations thriller at Twickenham.

England trailed by two factors after James Lowe’s late attempt however Smith’s ultimate act chipped the ball over the posts to ship the home followers into delirium.

In an action-packed second half, Lowe opened his account with an acrobatic end within the nook earlier than tries by George Furbank and Ben Earl handed a resurgent England the lead.

Lowe’s second was an equally effective end and seemed set to clinch the title for Ireland, however Smith stored his nerve to inflict a primary Six Nations defeat on Ireland since Paris in 2022.

Ollie Lawrence opened the scoring for England in a blistering begin however Ireland, chasing historical past of their pursuit of a primary double Grand Slam within the Six Nations, gained a foothold within the recreation by Jack Crowley’s assured boot.

Victory for England retains their faint title hopes alive and likewise means they’ve ended their run of three successive Six Nations with solely two victories from 5 video games.

But Ireland nonetheless lead the Six Nations standings and can retain their crown with a win over Scotland in Dublin on the ultimate weekend.

Ireland had been overwhelming favourites to stretch their successful run over England to 5 video games and assert their dominance over the northern hemisphere with one other title, however the hosts and their captain Jamie George had different concepts.

George put out a name to arms, reminding the followers how the gamers would valiantly “defend our home” towards Andy Farrell’s aspect.

Twickenham responded with an environment not seen for a while they usually had been rapidly rewarded as England noticed a chance to attack, throwing the ball by the palms for Lawrence to attain the primary attempt.

Ireland had been startled, as they had been 12 months in the past on the cusp of the Slam earlier than Freddie Steward was controversially despatched off and the tide turned inexperienced.

Crowley’s 4 penalties overturned the early deficit however England remained disciplined and stored 15 gamers on the sphere all through.

Lowe’s first attempt didn’t dampen their attacking intent and extra fast ball resulted in Furbank operating clear to attain his second Test attempt in as many video games earlier than Earl powered over for England’s third.

Ireland had been at all times going to have one other say and Lowe’s second attempt appeared to finish England’s resistance, however Danny Care got here off the bench to win his one centesimal cap and England had a second wind.

The cost to the road gathered momentum earlier than Care fed his Harlequins team-mate Smith to finish Ireland’s shot at historical past and seal a well-known England win within the Steve Borthwick period.

England had been extensively criticised for his or her lack of attacking ambition of their disappointing defeat by Scotland whereas Ireland seemed supreme with comfy wins over France, Italy and Wales of their opening three video games.

The guests had been overwhelming favourites however no-one inside their camp was anticipating a forgone conclusion, with head coach Farrell labelling England an “unbelievably harmful” staff.

The guests confirmed indicators of negating England’s blitz defence within the first half earlier than pouring by at the beginning of the second for Lowe’s first attempt with Henry Slade barely out of position.

It occurred once more late on with almost the identical consequence as Lowe completed off within the nook – however they had been two moments of exception as Ireland struggled to retain possession.

England managed massive spells of the sport with their aggression within the carry and tenacious defence near the breakdown. George Martin was a continuing menace and his inclusion at lock was vindicated as he charged up on the Ireland line with ferocity.

Ireland are nonetheless more likely to retain their title on the ultimate weekend after they host Scotland however England may have reminded Scots’ coach Gregor Townsend’s males of the chinks within the inexperienced armour.

England head coach Steve Borthwick informed BBC Sport: “The staff has been progressing. We are 4 video games into building a brand new staff and I’m delighted for the gamers and particularly the supporters.

“When you have a look at that recreation, the gamers confirmed unbelievable depth from the primary minute to the eightieth minute.

“Against a staff of this high quality you recognize you’ll must problem-solve, and there have been small changes we may see from the field.

“The mix of the sport for intervals was an arm wrestle after which it could break open with a counter-attack.”

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, talking to ITV: “For massive components of the sport I believed we had been somewhat bit off, and that is all the way down to England, however I felt we had the resilience to maintain bouncing again.

“England discovered a manner in the long run, they actually deserved to win.

“We have been excellent at successful. We must be good at dropping. We have to verify we assessment that correctly and are available into work on Monday with a smile on our faces as a result of there’s a championship to win.”

England: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George (capt), Cole, Itoje, Martin, Chessum, Underhill, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Cunningham-South, Dombrandt, Care, M Smith, Daly.

Ireland: Keenan; Nash, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; McCarthy, Beirne, O’Mahony (capt), Van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Kelleher, Healy, Bealham, Henderson, Baird, Conan, Murray, Frawley.

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)

Touch judges: Andrea Piardi (Italy) & Craig Evans (Wales)

TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)