By Mitch Phillips
Marcus Smith slotted a last-minute drop goal as England ended Ireland’s double Grand Slam dream with a tight 23-22 win today in Twickenham.
Ireland will feel aggrieved after the officials appeared to miss a bad tackle on Jack Conan late on, but it was England's best attacking display for years as they took the Six Nations championship to the final round.
After Scotland’s shock loss to Italy, Ireland knew victory would give them the title with a round to spare and set them up for back to back Grand Slams.
They looked on course with a 12-8 half-time lead via four Jack Crowley penalties despite England scoring the only try through Ollie Lawrence.
Ireland surged 17-8 ahead thanks to James Lowe's try early in the second-half, but England replied with tries by George Furbank and Ben Earl to edge three points clear heading into the final quarter.
A second Lowe try put Ireland back in front, only for replacement fly-half Smith to send Twickenham wild at the death. Ireland have 16 points, with England, who visit France next week, second on 12. Scotland, who come to Dublin next week, have 11.
