England v Ireland LIVE: Result and reaction from Six Nations as Marcus Smith denies Irish grand slam with last-gasp drop goal
England 23-22 Ireland: Smith slotted a drop goal with the final kick to snatch a shock victory for the hosts and stop back-to-back Irish grand slams
Marcus Smith slotted a last-minute drop goal as England ended Ireland’s double grand slam dream with an exhilarating 23-22 win in a display of their best attacking rugby for years to take 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 and 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 roared back with scores from 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 as he dropped back and slotted the decisive drop goal for the best performance and result of the Steve Borthwick era.
Relive all the action from England v Ireland below:
WATCH: The moment Marcus Smith won it for England
Here’s the moment Marcus Smith broke Irish hearts. And incredible moment that denies Ireland the slam and give England the unlikeliest of wins.
Their best performance and result of the Steve Borthwick era
FULL-TIME! England 23-22 Ireland
Marcus Smith dropped back, slotted the drop goal and sent Twickenham wild. He wheeled away in celebration and Ireland won’t win back-to-back grand slams. Simply incredible scenes.
FULL-TIME! England 23-22 Ireland
Somehow, someway England have beaten Ireland! A last-gasp drop goal from Marcus Smith has handed them an unlikely 23-22 win.
Ireland haven’t won this Six Nations yet, they’ll need to wait until the final day for that!
DROP GOAL! England 23-22 Ireland, 80 mins
OH MY WORD! THEY DON’T NEED THE PENALTY - MARCUS SMITH WITH THE DROP GOAL!
It’s incredible stuff. Penalty in hand as the ball gets trapped at the bottom of the ruck, so Smith drops back, ball flung to him and he splits the uprights.
England pull off a stunning win!
England 20-22 Ireland, 80 mins
Phases through the middle for England, crash ball and they’re five metres out by the posts. Penalty coming!
England 20-22 Ireland, 80 mins
Dan lineout, England secure through Itoje and run the ball right. Smith to Feyi-Waboso who skirts down the touchline and into the 22!
England 20-22 Ireland, 79 mins
Twickenham in fine voice as the fans roar ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ to try and inspire their heroes over the line.
England 20-22 Ireland, 79 mins
Lineout won by Ireland. Can they kill the clock here? No risks in their own 22, Murray box-kicks to touch and England will have one final go, starting on the 10-metre line.
Penalty, drop goal or try will do. Otherwise Ireland win the Six Nations. DRAMA!
England 20-22 Ireland, 78 mins
Cunningham-South hobbles off and looks in a lot of pain. His game is over. He’s being carted around the edge of the pitch.
England 20-22 Ireland, 78 mins
England try again. Half a yard of space for Daly wide on the left, Freeman acrobatics try to keep the ball in on the touchline but he can’t manage it. Irish lineout in their own 22, two minutes on the clock.
Cunningham-South down and receiving treatment.
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