But it was a reward built on exhaustive effort and with Ireland emptying themselves, England pressed the buttons on a playbook that should have yielded tries through the first half. I’m not having a dig at anyone here, but I can go out there and try and play my game, try to impose myself in any way I can throughout the three games that we’ve had.
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Never has this facet of his game been more evident than under Jones, who it seems must be asking Vunipola to draw defenders and move the ball on occasion instead of seeking contact.
Clever play from Youngs at scrum-half kept the Irish on their toes, but once again an error took the wind out of English sails. “If Eddie [Jones] wants to play him he will play him”.
“We felt we were only a couple of phases away from breaking them and the main message at half-time was to be a little bit more patient and physical around the breakdown”.
Hartley was banned for two weeks after clashing with Best during Ulster’s 25-6 win over Northampton in December 2012 – but not even first-hand experience of the New Zealand-born hooker’s short fuse would allow Ireland’s captain to criticise his England counterpart.
“The only thing I’d say is don’t lose faith that we won’t keep building”, said Schmidt. We needed to get a few things right technically.
England were enjoying plenty of possession and territorial dominance, but the Irish defence stood firm with huge tackles going in to prevent first Billy Vunipola and then Dylan Hartley from crossing.
Anthony Watson dives over to score England’s first try that gave them a lead they would not relinquish at Twickenham.
Les Bleus had a long spell of domination early in the second half but failed to make it count while the host proved highly efficient, prevailing with a George North try and four penalties and a conversion from Dan Biggar.
The statistics say he was the leading ball-carrier at Twickenham on Saturday with 18 but it is what he does with each of them that is so impressive; Vunipola hurt Ireland every time.
Ireland have not lost a home Six Nations game under Schmidt’s reign as head coach – their last defeat in the championship coming against England back in February 2013 when Declan Kidney’s side lost 12-6 at the Lansdowne Road venue – and the New Zealander, speaking today to RTÉ Sport, was keen to emphasise the importance of keeping that record intact.
Sting low: Conor Murray burrows his way over the line to score Ireland’s try.
“We’re not being told to act in a certain way”, he said.
The defence was epitomised by Jack Nowell with his tackle on Robbie Henshaw in the corner, that was fantastic.
420 – England’s total metres made with the ball in hand, but as they made 295m in the first half, it shows how Ireland forced them onto the back foot after the break.
Farrell converted to make it 21-10 with just 17 minutes remaining.
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“There were times where our pick-and-go got us some go-forward, but it was a bit of an arm wrestle really”.
