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:
Ireland 0-0 England, 1 minute
Bundee Aki takes down the kick off. Irelnad employ James Lowe’s great left boot for their first clearing job, the wing kicking long to Freddie Steward. The England full back returns in kind, Lowe claiming a mark inside his 22.
Ireland vs England
Here goes it: Ireland are 80 minutes away from a fourth Grand Slam, with the chance to secure their clean sweep in Dublin for the first time on St Patrick’s weekend. It is set up perfectly for Andy Farrell’s side - can England gatecrash the party?
Owen Farrell will kick things off. Here we go!
Anthems
England’s players look a little angry as they sing “God Save the King”, clearly ready to give it their best shot and put right a rather meek showing against France.
The Aviva Stadium crowd lifts the volume ahead of the two Irish anthems. Not an empty seat in the place for what could be a famous Irish evening.
Ireland vs England
Johnny Sexton also does his pre-match duties for the final time as Ireland skipper in the Six Nations. A Grand Slam sign-off really would be the perfect farewell.
Ireland vs England
Owen Farrell waits next to the red matting for Irish President Michael D Higgins, who shakes the England captain’s hand with a warm grin. Farrell Jr. takes the dignitaries along the English line, introducing them to his squad. Maro Itoje sways left and right, keeping the energy high and his legs moving.
Ireland vs England: Match Officials
Referee: Jaco Peyper (RSA)
ARs: Ben O’Keeffe (NZL) & Pierre Brousset (FRA)
TMO: Marius Jonker (RSA)
Ireland vs England
The two sets of players make their way out past the Triple Crown, the other prize that Ireland can secure this evening. It looks glorious in Dublin after some morning rain, the skies blue and the sun just starting to dip.
Ireland vs England
Owen Farrell tests his hips in the tunnel, limbering up. The England captain had been an injury doubt in midweek but declared himself fully fit to play yesterday, ready to charge up a wounded side for a chance to spoil the Irish party.
Josh van der Flier will lead Ireland out as he wins his 50th cap - the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year receives the Aviva Stadium’s roar as he exits the tunnel.
Owen Farrell ready to upset family loyalties against Ireland
England captain Owen Farrell admits his mother Colleen is stuck in an unenviable position as he attempts to deny father Andy Grand Slam glory with Ireland.
The personal circumstances of the Farrell family is a major subplot going into Saturday’s sold-out Dublin showdown, with the hosts odds-on favourites to complete a Guinness Six Nations clean sweep.
Fly-half Farrell is out to spoil the St Patrick’s weekend party at the Aviva Stadium after being recalled by Steve Borthwick, having begun last weekend’s 53-10 thrashing by France on the bench.
The 31-year-old insists it will be business as usual for him and his dad but concedes it is a tricky situation for relatives caught in the middle.
“It’s not weird for us two,” he said. “It’s probably a bit more weird for the family that’s supporting, especially my mum.
“She says she doesn’t know what she wants to happen. It’s probably a bit tough for her – well, I know it is.
“But in terms of us, we’re just doing our job. He’s not out there on the field, it’s not direct competition.
“We’ve been doing it for a long time now. It’s not the first time we’ve done it.”
Owen Farrell ready to upset family loyalties against Ireland
Farrell’s father Andy stands on the brink of coaching Ireland to a Six Nations Grand Slam.
Joe Biden sends his support
Joe Biden is a long-standing fan of Irish rugby, with Rob and Dave Kearney distant cousins of the 46th US President. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been at the White House over the last couple of days as part of a number of events to mark St Patrick’s Day, with the elder Kearney brother in attendance too to receive Biden’s well wishes for an Irish Grand Slam.
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