It was a match that looked like a semi-final between the English and the Irish at Twickenham, Saturday March 12, on behalf of the fourth day of the Six Nations Tournament. Second and third in the standings, the British fought for the place of runner-up before the last day which will see the XV de la Rose move to France. Andy Farrell’s men emerged victorious after a fierce fight marked by four tries.
6th minute: James Lowe strikes from entry (0-8)
In numerical superiority since the fourth minute of play, and the red card inflicted on Charlie Ewels, the Irish dominate this beginning of the meeting. Over several periods of play, they climbed the entire field and it was New Zealand-born winger James Lowe who scored the first try of the match at the end of the line. After passing a first penalty, Jonathan Sexton misses the transformation.
37th: Ireland break away before half-time (6-15)
Since James Lowe’s first try, the XV de la Rose has been fighting back. Two penalties from his striker, Marcus Smith, allow him to stay in contact, two small points behind the Irish. However, it only takes one opportunity for the Greens to move forward. Three minutes before the break, after a few periods of turbulence, they scored a new try through Hugo Keenan. This time, the transformation of Jonathan Sexton passes between the poles and Ireland stands out a little more when returning to the locker room.
72nd: The Irish widen the gap (15-25)
Returning to a tie (15-15) thanks to a restrictive but effective game, the English cast doubt on the Irish. More precise in the game of “ping-pong rugby”, the latter nevertheless manage to settle in the English camp. Following a long streak of possession, the substitute third row, Jack Conan, scored the third try of the match, that of the K.-O.
75th: the XV of Clover wins the offensive bonus (15-32)
In the wake of the third try, the Irish definitely knock out their opponents. The fourth try of the day, that of the bonus, rewards a controlled end to the match. Exhausted by more than an hour disputed at 14 against 15, the English explode.
