There is a four-way tie at the top of the Six Nations table following England’s tight 13-10 victory over Ireland on Twickenham on Saturday. England, Ireland, France and Wales are all on four points with two rounds left to play.
England came back from being 10-3 down after a well taken Rob Kearney try from Ireland. Mike Brown’s break in the second half led to scrum-half Danny Care sprinting away, before the home side held on for a tense win.
Attention now turns to Wales, who England play next in two week’s time.
“The Six Nations is open for everyone given the way the results have gone. It’s been a fantastic championship this year,” said coach Stuart Lancaster.
“We’ll enjoy this win but we know that there’s a big, big challenge coming in two weeks’ time.”
“We respect Wales because of what they’ve achieved over the last couple of years and their performance against France has given them confidence, so it will be a great game,” he added.
An England win over Wales will give them the Triple Crown, but no team in the tournament can win a Grand Slam. Ireland are in the best position for an overall victory, with a points difference of +42, compared with England’s +21, Wales’ +6 and France’s +1.
So despite the loss, Ireland are looking good and face Italy at home next, in what will be then Test cap record holder Brian O’Driscoll’s final test at home. All four sides are still very much in it though, so the final two rounds of play will be fascinating to watch.
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