Ireland vs England LIVE: Six Nations 2023 result and reaction as Ireland seal grand slam after red card
Ireland 29-16 England: Freddie Steward’s controversial red card helped change the game as Ireland completed a deserved 2023 Six Nations grand slam in Dublin
Ireland completed just their fourth-ever Six Nations grand slam with a 29-16 victory over England at the Aviva Stadium, emphatically underlining their status as the world’s top-ranked team heading into September’s World Cup.
None of Ireland’s three previous clean sweeps had been completed in Dublin but this victory over their fiercest rivals was the sweetest way to seal a deserved grand slam on St Patrick’s Day weekend.
There was controversy late in the first half when England full back Freddie Steward was sent off for a dangerous hit on Hugo Keenan despite bracing for impact and turning away from his opposite number, with contact appearing accidental. The harsh call prompted a mountain of reaction on Twitter, including from England cricket captain Ben Stokes.
However, Ireland were still good value for their victory, as Dan Sheehan scored two tries, with Robbie Henshaw and Rob Herring also dotting down, to fulfil Irish dreams.
Relive the action from the Aviva Stadium below:
H/T: France 20-7 Wales
The players are back out there. 40 more minutes this Six Nations for France and Wales - back underway in Paris.
H/T: France 20-7 Wales
Wales stuck at it thereafter, showing plenty of invention and free-spirit, but France’s attack looks mighty dangerous every time they touch the ball. There have been a couple of moments of profligacy but Jonathan Danty’s score was proficiently taken.
H/T: France 20-7 Wales
France’s half, eventually, with the hosts opening up ominously after Wales had started brightly. It was much, much better from Warren Gatland’s side in the first 15 minutes, with a number of the visitors’ older heads rolling back the years to match their opposition. A powerful maul sucked the French defence in and allowed George North to go over beneath the sticks and give Wales an early lead, but the answer was typically swift - and superb.
France 20-7 Wales, 40 minutes
Jonathan Danty almost busts free of the Wales blindside defence after Antoine Dupont intelligently switches direction from a midfield scrum, but the ball is jarred free from the centre.
Wales run it back, with Josh Adams and Taulupe Faletau targeting the tramlines on the right. Adams is pushed over the touchline to bring the first 40 minutes to a close.
France 20-7 Wales, 39 minutes
Wales are reeling a little now after that bright opening quarter. The passes are half-a-yard off, and George North knocks on.
France 20-7 Wales, 38 minutes
A French scrum but welcome news for Wales as Alun Wyn Jones returns after being cleared during his Head Injury Assessment. There’s more Six Nations turf yet to tread for the second row.
Antoine Dupont threatens to burst the Welsh defence open with a typically sharp exploitation of space, but can’t find Damian Penaud on his right.
France 20-7 Wales, 37 minutes
A rousing rendition of the French national anthem as the Stade de France crowd roar their approval for that Danty score.
Damian Penaud claims a mark brilliantly after retreating innside his own 22. He taps it quickly, and George North is perhaps a little fortunate that his blocking of an infield pass with extended fingers is deemed only a knock on by the officials. The ruling on Uini Atonio’s earlier intervention is cited by Nic Berry as he explains to Antoine Dupont why North is not penalised - but North did not look like he was ever going to be able to reel that in.
TRY! FRANCE 20-7 Wales (Jonathan Danty try, 34 minutes)
Jonathan Danty scores in the corner! It’s the Toulouse creative axis at their best again, Romain Ntamack making a half-break and connecting with Thomas Ramos, who in turn tees up Antoine Dupont. The scrum-half bowls over a would-be tackler and gets to within five metres.
France ensures the ball remains infield on the left and Wales are short of numbers as the home side spread it to the right, with Danty the end-man on the line and sliding in with a sprint and a fend. Deadeye Ramos converts.
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