6 Nations ’25: Ireland 27 – 22 England

In a thrilling Six Nations opener at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Ireland began their title defense with a hard-fought 27-22 victory over England. The match showcased a tale of two halves, with England leading at halftime before Ireland’s resurgence secured the win.

England started the match strongly, capitalising on early opportunities to establish a 10-5 lead by halftime. Their aggressive play and tactical execution kept the Irish defense on the back foot, setting the stage for what appeared to be a promising outing for the visitors.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. Ireland, displaying the experience and resilience that have made them a formidable force in recent years, scored 22 unanswered points, effectively taking control of the game. Hooker Dan Sheehan, making a remarkable return from injury, was instrumental in this surge, contributing a crucial try that extended Ireland’s lead.

Despite the setback, England showcased their fighting spirit in the closing stages. Late tries from Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman narrowed the deficit, allowing England to secure a losing bonus point. However, their efforts fell short of overturning Ireland’s lead.

Returning from a significant injury, Dan Sheehan’s performance was lauded by fans and pundits alike, with many hailing him as one of the best hookers in world rugby.

Maro Itoje, captaining the England side for the first time, led by example, contributing significantly in both defense and attack.

England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, acknowledged the impact of Ireland’s experience on the game’s outcome, noting the disparity in caps between the two teams. He expressed pride in his team’s performance, highlighting improvements in both attack and defense, but recognised the need for further development.

Ireland’s victory underscores their status as a dominant force in the Six Nations, while England will look to regroup and address the areas that led to their second-half decline as they prepare for their next fixture against France at Twickenham.

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