Ireland 29-16 England LIVE! Six Nations 2023 result, match stream and reaction as Irish win Grand Slam

Ireland vs England LIVE!

Six Nations Super Saturday concluded with a huge clash between old rivals in Dublin this evening. The stage was set for the world’s top-ranked team to clinch a memorable Grand Slam on home soil after a fantastic tournament and send out another major warning shot as they try to end their World Cup curse in the autumn. And they did just that with a hard-fought 29-16 triumph, despite a few nervy moments along the way.

Few gave England a prayer of spoiling the party and denying Ireland a fourth clean sweep overall, second in five years and first in this city, with Steve Borthwick’s side drubbed by France in a record defeat at Twickenham in round four. But while they were unable to pull off the sizable upset that could have handed Les Bleus the title in dramatic fashion, there were definite signs of improvement for Borthwick as his team battled valiantly with 14 men after Freddie Steward’s controversial red card on the stroke of half-time.

Ireland weren’t at their fluent best for long stretches, but got the job done thanks to a brace from hooker Dan Sheehan, further tries from Robbie Henshaw and Rob Herring and nine points from the boot of Johnny Sexton, now the Six Nations’ all-time record scorer. Follow reaction to Ireland’s latest Grand Slam success below, with expert analysis from Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland vs England highlights

• TRY! Herring secures Ireland bonus point

• TRY! George hits back from England maul

• TRY! Sheehan goes over for second try

• TRY! Henshaw breaks 14-man England’s resistance

• RED CARD! Steward sent off before half-time

• TRY! Sheehan breaks loose for first score

• Sexton becomes record Six Nations points scorer

Nick Purewal’s match report from Dublin

Saturday 18 March 2023 20:09 , George Flood

Ireland staged the real holiday parade with a 29-16 win over 14-man England to seal their maiden Grand Slam in Dublin.

The Irish capital’s streets were awash with the customary St Patrick’s Day floats on Friday, but the Aviva Stadium played host to the real procession a day later.

Captain Johnny Sexton led Ireland to their fourth competition clean sweep, and their first on home soil since the 1948 triumph in Belfast.

Freddie Steward’s red card on the stroke of half-time undoubtedly eased Ireland’s passage, on a day when the jitters caught hold early and were not dismissed until the hour mark.

Ryan Baird’s monster turnover on Ellis Genge set in motion the chain of events for Robbie Henshaw to power home and seal the second Grand Slam in five years.

Click here to read the article in full

Andy Farrell on Sexton

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:51 , George Flood

“Hopefully there’s bigger fish to fry for Johnny with the World Cup. It’s unbelievable for him to have this moment and lift the trophy.

“He wanted to lift it with someone else and I said he mustn’t. He deserves it. What a way for him to go out of the Six Nations.”

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:51 , George Flood

Oh what a night...

Andy Farrell reaction

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:42 , George Flood

And now Farrell Sr on his incredible achievement with Ireland...

"It's the fourth time that we've done it and the first time that we've done it at home. It means so much to everyone. To win a Grand Slam on St Patrick's weekend was always going to be special," Farrell said.

"It was squeaky bum time there for a while as far as 10-9 is concerned! It was win at all costs. The game was stop-start and a proper old fashioned Test match. We're disappointed with some aspects of our game but it was a bonus-point win again."

Owen Farrell: Steward red card was ‘harsh’

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:40 , George Flood

Here’s England captain Owen Farrell speaking to ITV...

"First of all congratulations to Ireland. Winning a Grand Slam is special," Farrell said.

"I thought we showed a tremendous amount of fight. We probably gave away too many penalties. The game changed with the card but we still showed a lot of fight to stick in it."

Farrell said Steward's red card for making dangerous contact with Keenan was "harsh".

"It's not for me to have an opinion on. It seemed harsh to me but people make the rules for a reason," he said.

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:26 , George Flood

Johnny Sexton has now hoisted aloft the trophy for Ireland after they collect their winners’ medals - and the Triple Crown of course.

What a way to bow out of the Six Nations for the now record points scorer.

Webb Ellis Cup to come next in the autumn?!

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:25 , George Flood

Here’s some Ireland reaction from lock James Ryan...

"One of the best nights of our careers. It was all about delivering today and attacking. We didn't get it quite right to start with but we found a way," Ryan told ITV.

"There was a bit of pressure but there's pressure in every game you play for Ireland. We were a little bit off quieter in the first half so we're delighted to get the result. This day is really special."

Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:07 , George Flood

Ireland’s first Grand Slam completed in Dublin, their second clean sweep in five years, but only their fourth in history.

Andy Farrell’s men deserve all the plaudits that will come their way. Add Belfast in 1948 to this major triumph at the Aviva Stadium.

Back to the World Cup drawing board for England.

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:07 , George Flood

Ireland’s players hugging and celebrating on the pitch as the fans do likewise in the stands with music blaring out.

It’s going to be some party in Dublin tonight! And on St Patrick’s day weekend, no less.

Their fourth Grand Slam, first since 2018 and first sealed in Dublin.

What an achievement. Next stop, trying to end their World Cup curse in the autumn. They’ve never been past the quarter-finals, remember.

Surely that has to change in France?

The final scoreline feels a bit harsh on England, who were very competitive for most of the evening despite Steward’s killer red card.

Signs of promise for Borthwick after their embarrassment by France at least.

Full-time

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:02 , George Flood

Ireland 29-16 England

IRELAND ARE SIX NATIONS GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONS!

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:00 , George Flood

Two-try Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan is deservedly named as the man of the match.

Watch: Herring gets bonus-point try for Ireland

Saturday 18 March 2023 19:00 , George Flood

Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:59 , George Flood

England will finish this match with 13 players after Jack Willis’ yellow card for upending Ross Byrne at a ruck.

Ireland’s fourth try followed straight after the sin-binning as Herring bundled home.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:59 , George Flood

78 mins: Cian Healy replaces Porter in the Irish front row.

‘Fields of Athenry’ belting out loud around the Aviva.

Ireland’s players are amassing down by the touchline, ready for a pitch invasion to get the party going.

TRY! Ireland 29-16 England | Rob Herring 77’

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:56 , George Flood

77 mins: More late punishment for England and the Grand Slam party can now well and truly begin in Dublin.

Ireland attack down the short side again and replacement hooker Herring stretches to dot down.

Conversion missed. But that matters little now.

Watch: George hits back for England

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:55 , George Flood

Watch: Sheehan at the double for Ireland

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:55 , George Flood

Yellow card - Jack Willis (England)

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:54 , George Flood

75 mins: England are going to finish this game with 13 men.

Willis sent to the sin bin for a tip tackle on Byrne.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:54 , George Flood

75 mins: Ireland’s celebrations are going to be affected by Sexton making his way off very gingerly in the final Six Nations match of his illustrious career, pointing to his adductor.

Ross Byrne is on.

Conor Murray is also on for Gibson-Park, with Rob Herring replacing Sheehan at hooker.

Watch: Henshaw breaks England’s stubborn resistance

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:52 , George Flood

Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:52 , George Flood

England just produced their best maul in recent memory for a fine Jamie George try.

That will not turn the tide today but offers hope for the future.

TRY! Ireland 24-16 England | Jamie George 72'

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:49 , George Flood

72 mins: England haven’t given up just yet!

It’s one of the best England mauls I’ve seen for ages as it rolls right through Ireland’s defences and hooker George grounds nicely.

Farrell adds the extras. 14-man England back to within eight points with eight minutes left to play at the Aviva.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:48 , George Flood

70 mins: Nick Isiekwe and Alex Mitchell on for England.

Off go Ribbans and Van Poortvliet.

A shoving match has broken out between Sexton and Marchant.

Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:45 , George Flood

England’s resistance now broken, Ireland have powered in again through Sheehan.

And now the visitors can only think about damage limitation.

TRY! Ireland 24-9 England | Dan Sheehan 68'

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:44 , George Flood

68 mins: The best hooker in the world, without question.

It’s Sheehan’s initial break that puts Ireland in another commanding position deep inside the England 22.

Ireland go down the short side and it’s superb work from Conan, who pulls in two England defenders and then provides a perfect offload for Sheehan to go over for try number two in the right corner.

Sexton adds the conversion, followed by a fist pump. Surely that’s the Grand Slam in the bag now!

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:42 , George Flood

66 mins: Baird has had a huge impact for Ireland in the last few minutes.

He helps to win another turnover that the hosts boom into touch on the edge of the England 22.

Dan Cole replaces Sinckler at loosehead for England.

A 100th cap for the Leicester veteran.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:39 , George Flood

64 mins: Ireland are taking control now as Curry is held up and turned over by a combination of Sexton, Aki and Van der Flier.

Joe Marchant and Mako Vunipola have replaced Arundell and Genge for England.

Dombrandt has also gone off with Willis back, so Curry stays on.

Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:38 , George Flood

Ryan Baird’s monster turnover on Ellis Genge just set in motion the sequence that will seal Ireland’s Grand Slam.

Robbie Henshaw crossed for the try that surely now puts the hosts in control.

TRY! Ireland 17-9 England | Robbie Henshaw 62'

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:36 , George Flood

62 mins: That is likely the try that clinches the Irish Grand Slam!

Eventually England’s understrength defence are just overwhelmed as Ireland attack near the line with a penalty advantage.

Gibson-Park sees the space to his right and finds Aki, who quickly tees up midfield partner Henshaw for an easy score.

Sexton converts. Ireland lead the 14 men of England by eight points with just over 15 minutes remaining at the Aviva.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:34 , George Flood

59 mins: Now Ireland are really turning the screw, with Gibson-Park finding Sexton, whose kick to the right corner puts England’s undermanned defence under all sorts of pressure.

It’s vital work from Watson to gather a dangerous and unpredictable loose ball.

The Irish end up with the put-in at a five-metre scrum.

Tom O’Toole on at tighthead for Ireland. Furlong off.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:30 , George Flood

57 mins: The Irish crowd let out a frustrated moan after Porter goes down at the scrum and England get another penalty.

“England are continuing to make this a dogfight and Ireland cannot settle,” Nick Purewal notes.

“Even with 14 men the visitors are right in this game. Ireland are starting to get tetchy and that will suit England entirely.”

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:29 , George Flood

56 mins: Poor from England as they drop the ball at the maul and Gibson-Park seizes on it.

Ireland want to release Lowe quickly down that left flank, but he’s in touch.

Things then kick off with Porter, Curry and Van Poortvliet at the centre of the trouble.

The situation is eventually defused.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:27 , George Flood

55 mins: Jack Conan replaces O’Mahony in the Ireland back row.

England with a lineout on the edge of the Irish 22 after that woeful Sexton kick.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:26 , George Flood

54 mins: Plenty of kicking now from England with 14 men.

Just no fluency or rhythm about Ireland at the moment.

England’s intensity and line speed is tremendous, as is their work at the breakdown.

They force another mistake as Sexton skews a kick straight out on the full.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:25 , George Flood

53 mins: Willis has a head wound after a huge hit on O’Mahony, with Ben Curry on into the back row for now.

Loose from Ireland again at the lineout. They haven’t started this second half well at all, despite their numerical advantage.

PENALTY! Ireland 10-9 England | Owen Farrell 51'

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:22 , George Flood

51 mins: The first points of the second half go to 14-man England!

A decent long kick from Farrell splits the uprights.

Brilliant spirit on display from Borthwick’s side in adversity, seven days on from that France humiliation.

Ireland need to improve. They will need their replacements to come on and make sure this job is done.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:20 , George Flood

50 mins: The scrum goes down and England roar in delight again as they get the whistle.

Another Farrell penalty coming up, which he hopes will reduce the deficit to just one point.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:18 , George Flood

48 mins: England have a lineout stolen, but it’s sloppy from Ireland as Sinckler quickly gets it back.

The visitors then get on top in the tactical kicking battle, celebrating as if it’s a try.

Good work from Farrell to forc the Irish error.

England ball at the scrum.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:14 , George Flood

45 mins: Sexton tries a little kick through that doesn’t come off, with Ireland then having a lineout on the far side.

A kick into the 22 is taken by Watson, who calls for the mark. England clear their lines for now.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:13 , George Flood

Have your say on that controversial dismissal for Freddie Steward...

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:13 , George Flood

43 mins: The news on Hugo Keenan keeps changing.

ITV now report that he failed the HIA, so won’t be coming back.

O’Brien on permanently.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:12 , George Flood

42 mins: England with some early ball in hand but Aki releases Gibson-Park after only Ludlam is left chasing a Farrell kick, which is slapped back by Lowe.

The scrum-half flies down that left flank, tearing into space before putting boot to ball. Should he have kept that in hand?

A pressure throw for Jamie George here as England have a lineout close to their own try line.

Second half

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:09 , George Flood

Back underway at the Aviva!

A huge task for the 14 men of England from here to spoil Ireland’s Grand Slam push.

Apparently Keenan did actually pass his HIA and will be back on soon.

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:08 , George Flood

No Hugo Keenan in the second half after that HIA.

Jimmy O’Brien remains on the field as the players emerge for the second half.

Watch: Freddie Steward sent off for England

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:01 , George Flood

Saturday 18 March 2023 18:01 , George Flood

A number of former England players are disputing that sending off on social media...

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:59 , George Flood

That did feel desperately unlucky for Steward.

By the letter of the law it is probably red after the contact with the head, but it looked so much worse slowed down on the replay.

Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:54 , George Flood

Owen Farrell cannot believe the red card for Freddie Steward. Referee Jaco Peyper has none of it and sends Farrell packing.

Steward was stunned too, having failed to avoid contact with Keenan’s head in a collision.

Half-time

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:53 , George Flood

Ireland 10-6 England

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:52 , George Flood

44 mins: This is heroic defence from 14-man England as Ireland drive to within metres of the line but can’t get through.

Red card: Freddie Steward (England)

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:51 , George Flood

43 mins: Referee Jaco Peyper deems he was upright and had time to turn his shoulder, with no mitigation down from red after contact to the head.

An enormous blow for England just before half-time. Keenan has gone off for a HIA.

Steward pleads his innocence, insisting he had nowhere else to go. Farrell also incensed.

Time for one more Ireland attack to quickly make their numerical advantage count...

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:49 , George Flood

41 mins: Keenan and Hansen try to combine and tee up Lowe with the clock in the red, and there’s a very ugly collision between Steward and Keenan.

The crowd roars in anger after the replay, where it looks very bad indeed.

This could well be red for Steward after contact to the head.

Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:47 , George Flood

Steve Borthwick promised England would get Henry Arundell into the game but the full debutant has only had two touches so far, and both times he’s been asked to conjure something out of nothing.

England have to find a way to involve both Arundell and Watson, otherwise both danger men are just wasted out wide.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:47 , George Flood

39 mins: Sinckler is penalised again to allow Ireland to clear their lines and set up another attacking platform as we tick towards half-time in Dublin.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:46 , George Flood

38 mins: A decent kick-chase from England, who then get good pressure at the scrum as they look to answer that Sheehan try.

They try to release the otherwise quiet Arundell down the left side, and he attempts to crash his way through a few green shirts.

But he stays upright and is held up in the choke tackle and turned over. Frustrating.

Watch: Sheehan races through for first Irish try

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:45 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at the Aviva Stadium

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:43 , George Flood

England’s defence was fantastic for half an hour, while Ireland made a clutch of sloppy errors.

But as soon as that started to become a worry for the hosts, Dan Sheehan powered in for a try to settle the Dublin nerves.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:43 , George Flood

35 mins: Scrum green after Lowe is not fairly allowed to compete for the aerial ball with Steward after a nudge from Watson.

They then have a free-kick which Sexton booms dangerously into the air near the 22 - but it’s a super take as always from the rock-solid Steward.

TRY! Ireland 10-6 England | Dan Sheehan 33’

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:40 , George Flood

33 mins: Ireland breakthrough!

The wheels on Sheehan for a hooker is absolutely extraordinary.

He races through for the first try of the evening after England commit too many defenders to try and stop the rolling maul.

Van der Flier spots the space and tees up the marauding Sheehan perfectly.

Sexton adds the extras. Ireland now lead by four.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:38 , George Flood

32 mins: What a take from Keenan after a big Sexton up-and-under.

England have given away another penalty after an off-the-ball block from Genge on Gibson-Park.

Sexton kicks for another lineout on the edge of the England 22.

Jamie George now receiving some treatment.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:36 , George Flood

31 mins: Some needless errors from England in the forwards that is making their life much harder as we tick past the half-hour mark in Dublin.

But they are making up for it with their ferocious intensity and committment in defence.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:35 , George Flood

29 mins: A huge shove at the scrum from Ireland as it spins around, but it’s England who earn the penalty after the put-in.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:32 , George Flood

27 mins: England’s defensive intensity is excellent once again - Willis absolutely smoking Hansen there.

Pressure from Dombrandt then leads to another rushed, loose pass from the Men in Green.

Roars of delight from those England players.

Watch: Super Sexton makes Six Nations history

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:31 , George Flood

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:30 , George Flood

25 mins: Ireland are beginning to look dangerous now as they start to get the ball moving nicely through the hands.

A needless cheap shot from Dombrandt on Sexton leads to an Irish penalty, which the latter kicks into touch on the edge of the England 22.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:27 , George Flood

23 mins: You can’t take your eyes off this for a second as England try to get through a ferocious Ireland defence.

Steward is hit hard, England recycle the ball quickly and Ludlam has an unconventional offload for Tuilagi, who is driven into touch.

Itoje gives away a needless penalty at the subsequent lineout, giving Ireland an escape route.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:25 , George Flood

21 mins: This is breathless stuff at the Aviva as England kick for a lineout deep in Irish territory and are back with front-foot ball inside the 22.

The difference between last week and this has been night and day so far.

PENALTY! Ireland 3-6 England | Johnny Sexton 19'

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:22 , George Flood

19 mins: It goes over!

Sexton is now the leading points scorer in Six Nations history, overtaking fellow Irish fly-half legend Ronan O’Gara.

A standing ovation from the home fans. What an achievement in his final Six Nations game.

Ireland on the board.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:21 , George Flood

18 mins: Sinckler is pinged for being off his feet at the breakdown now and Sexton will take a long kick at goal as silence falls upon the Aviva.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:19 , George Flood

16 mins: Keenan bursts through a huge hole in the England defence and Ireland are suddenly back to within five metres of the line!

But one pass goes loose and another is almost intercepted by Van Poortvliet, who manages to knock it back.

England have possession back and boot clear.

Another early missed chance for the Irish.

PENALTY! Ireland 0-6 England | Owen Farrell 15'

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:17 , George Flood

15 mins: Farrell has his aim right so far this afternoon.

A second kicks sails through as England stretch their early lead to six points.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:16 , George Flood

12 mins: England are not committing too many men to the breakdown here and that means they have a lot of defenders to disrupt in the line.

Furlong’s pass for Keenan is knocked loose.

England then have a penalty advantage after a lineout, with Sinckler driven back before Itoje had landed properly.

Another kick coming from Farrell Jnr...

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:13 , George Flood

11 mins: Ireland have real momentum after the lineout, with a crucial tackle from Willis.

But they rumble on through the phases and have a penalty, which Sexton takes with the quick tap!

He darts for the line but Dombrandt gets his body under the ball to thwart the danger.

Itoje made the low tackle and it was actually Farrell who prevented the try I think.

The officials are checking for possible offside against England, but nothing doing. It’s a drop-out for England from behind their own line.

The defence stands up to its first real test of the day.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:11 , George Flood

10 mins: A game of kick tennis breaks out, eventually won by Ireland as Keenan makes a terrific tackle on Arundell and Porter is straight over the ball to win the penalty at the breakdown.

Sexton kicks to touch on the edge of the England 22.

PENALTY! Ireland 0-3 England | Owen Farrell 8'

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:09 , George Flood

8 mins: A very straightforward kick from Farrell gets England off the mark first.

A very encouraging start.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:08 , George Flood

6 mins: England are initially driven back by Sexton and Henshaw, but a weaving run from Slade puts them back in the ascendancy.

Now they have a penalty advantage as they try to set Arundell free down the right flank.

The physicality on display in the early few minutes is absolutely brutal, as you might expect.

It’s been a really promising start from England and Farrell points to the posts.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:06 , George Flood

5 mins: That’s a few early turnovers now from England, who are dominating the breakdown early on at the Aviva.

They then carry well through the phases and are into the Irish 22...

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:05 , George Flood

3 mins: Farrell boots clear for England towards the Irish 22 after a decent turnover from Jack Willis as the hosts try to find a gap in the defence.

England then chase and Itoje gets tangled up with Gibson-Park, whistled for being off his feet.

Far more intensity and physicality about Borthwick’s side already here in the opening few minutes.

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:03 , George Flood

2 mins: Jamison Gibson-Park with a solid take under the high ball boomed up by Freddie Steward and is then hit in the air, giving Ireland an early penalty after some bruising initial collisions.

Sexton kicks for the lineout on the near side.

KICK-OFF

Saturday 18 March 2023 17:01 , George Flood

Underway in Dublin!

Can England ruin Ireland’s Grand Slam party at the Aviva on St Patrick’s weekend?

Today’s referee is Jaco Peyper.

Owen Farrell kicks to get us off and running...

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:56 , George Flood

Irish president Michael D Higgins is now walking down that red carpet, shaking hands with both sets of players led by captains Sexton and Farrell.

Plenty of pomp and circumstance pre-match in Dublin as usual, adding to that sense of occasion.

Now time for the national anthems, starting with God Save the King...

Van der Flier out first

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:50 , Jonathan Gorrie

His 50th Ireland cap today.

On their way out!

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:49 , George Flood

Players emerging onto the Aviva pitch now. We’re almost there!

It all comes down to this, the final game of the 2023 Six Nations.

Closing in on kick-off

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:48 , Jonathan Gorrie

France beat Wales!

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:47 , Jonathan Gorrie

A thrilling 41-28 win in Paris leaves the ball very much in Ireland’s court...

Nick Purewal’s pre-match thoughts

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:39 , Jonathan Gorrie

Key battle

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:33 , Jonathan Gorrie

Jack Willis v Josh van der Flier

Former Wasps flanker Willis is as powerful at the breakdown as to leave Toulouse desperate to sign him up to an extended contract on French soil. Van der Flier is the world player of the year who dominates through stunning accuracy in every facet of the game. If Willis can edge out Van der Flier here, then England might just stand a chance of victory.

Key battle

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:32 , Jonathan Gorrie

Maro Itoje v James Ryan

Itoje recently admitted he has been struggling with a medical condition which has affected his form. Respect to the Saracens lock for not detailing his issue any further, but still pointing out a reason for him losing some edge. The Lions star must be at his best against peerless Ryan, however. Whichever lock dominates the set-piece can expect to guide his team home.

Key battle

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:32 , Jonathan Gorrie

Henry Arundell v Mack Hansen

London Irish speedster Arundell is to the manner born, given his progress through Harrow School. Hansen is the absolute journeyman in comparison, having trotted the globe from Australia to his current home. Arundell must cope with Ireland’s aerial bombardment, and England then must give him decent ball so he can do what he does best.

Destiny awaits

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:23 , Jonathan Gorrie

Not long to go now!

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:13 , Jonathan Gorrie

England’s nightmare preparation for the World Cup

Saturday 18 March 2023 16:11 , Jonathan Gorrie

It would be a huge surprise if England were able to produce an upset, having been so heavily beaten by France at Twickenham. That 53-10 humiliation was their heaviest ever defeat at home, and they look set to finish another disappointing tournament in fourth spot.

Ireland vs England head to head (h2h) history and results

Saturday 18 March 2023 15:54 , Jonathan Gorrie

Ireland have won the last two matches between the sides, including a 32-15 win at Twickenham 12 months ago, though England have had the better of the head-to-head in the last ten years.

England’s most recent victory in Dublin came in 2019, their first win at the Aviva for six years.

Ireland wins: 51

England wins: 80

Draws: 8

Dallaglio: England must ‘restore pride’ with daunting Dublin trip

Saturday 18 March 2023 15:36 , Jonathan Gorrie

Lawrence Dallaglio has called on England to restore “pride and credibility in the shirt” in Saturday’s daunting Six Nations clash in Dublin.

England face world No1-ranked Ireland, who are bidding for a second Grand Slam in five years and are at the height of their powers. Steve Borthwick’s men slumped to a record home defeat last weekend, with a seven-try 53-10 loss to France — and now World Cup-winning No8 Dallaglio has urged England to claw back their reputations at the Aviva Stadium.

“They’ve got to restore some credibility and some pride, collectively and individually as well,” said Dallaglio, the host of the Evening Standard’s rugby podcast.

“You expect a response, because they are all elite sportspeople and they are very proud of what they do. I’ve been in that position, and there’s a lot of soul-searching that goes on. You demand a reaction from yourself and your team-mates. England were dismantled up front last week, and they have to respond.”

Ireland vs England latest odds

Saturday 18 March 2023 15:31 , Jonathan Gorrie

Ireland to win: 1/10

England to win: 13/2

Draw: 50/1

How Farrell built on the Schmidt legacy to drive Ireland’s evolution

Saturday 18 March 2023 15:22 , Jonathan Gorrie

Ireland’s route to the top of the world and tomorrow’s Grand Slam decider in Dublin has been all about breathing space.

Johnny Sexton has learned to take it easy on referees, and head coach Andy Farrell has worked out how to lighten the load on the Ireland squad.

Rory Best captained Ireland to the 2018 Grand Slam at the peak of boss Joe Schmidt’s glittering tenure. The former Lions hooker believes Ireland needed Schmidt’s famous taskmaster ways to set standards in discipline and rigour, but hailed Farrell for easing the pressure to storm to the top of the world rankings.

Ulster stalwart Best and former Leinster full-back Rob Kearney are Ireland’s only two-time Grand Slam winners, but a slew of others will join them if Ireland beat England tomorrow. Sexton can secure a fairytale Six Nations farewell by claiming the Grand Slam on his final tournament appearance.

The 37-year-old should also pass Ronan O’Gara’s record Six Nations points haul, with Ireland aiming to complete a Grand Slam in Dublin for the first time — and all on St Patrick’s weekend.

“Johnny has given so much to Ireland,” Best told Standard Sport. “And it hasn’t always been plain sailing for him. When he first took the captaincy, people were questioning his conduct with referees and body language.

“He’s worked very hard to become the leader that he is, and that’s why he deserves everything he could get on Saturday. What he had to change was just the optics, keeping his composure a little better with referees. He sees the game quicker, better and differently from anyone else.

“Where he’s matured out of sight as a captain and leader is realising that just because you see it straight away doesn’t mean everyone else will, and that the art of it is to bring people with you. And what Andy Farrell has done has been to allow people to be okay to make mistakes.”

Kiwi coach Schmidt turned Ireland’s fortunes on their head in six years at the Ireland helm, with Best hailing the former boss’s enduring impact.

“Joe came in and was trying to change a team,” said Best. “We were a team that was inconsistent, if you gave us downtime, we completely took the foot off the pedal, so he had to drive something to bring consistency.

“The amount of times you see a new coach follow on from an old coach and they decide that they need to completely reinvent the wheel. The biggest mistake coaches make, I think, is they forget to remember what the good things were and build on that, and then change things slightly. But that’s exactly what Faz has done.”

Six Nations: ‘Electric freak’ Henry Arundell backed to wreak havoc on Ireland in first England start

Saturday 18 March 2023 15:06 , Jonathan Gorrie

England will unleash their “electric freak” Henry Arundell against Ireland in Dublin, with Test team-mates and club coaches alike marvelling at his natural-born finishing ability.

Arundell will make his first Test start on his seventh England cap at the Aviva Stadium, as Steve Borthwick’s men bid to hit back from last weekend’s record home defeat by France.

The Red Rose side must offer a riposte from the 53-10 France hammering and also face up to the world’s top-ranked team in Ireland. Andy Farrell’s Ireland are aiming to complete a second Grand Slam in five years, leaving England with collective backs to the wall.

Read the full story here!

Earnest England missing Test-match villains to ruin Ireland’s Grand Slam party in Six Nations

Saturday 18 March 2023 14:58 , Jonathan Gorrie

England’s Aviva Stadium mission tomorrow would be sorely boosted by the addition of a clutch of archetypal bad guys.

Steve Borthwick’s earnest Red Rose men will set out to spoil Ireland’s Grand Slam party in Dublin, yet they will do so without any recognised Test-match villains. Every classic England era in the international game has been punctuated by a nucleus of central casting spoilers, who know just how to ruin an opponent’s day.

From Wade Dooley through to Martin Johnson, all the best England teams have boasted a number of tight-forwards who seem almost entirely focused on niggle. Such absolute head-wreckers could ruin the opposition’s day, while at the same time keeping their own cool and helping England take control.

For all the quality in the current England ranks, there appears no one able to fill that brief in the classic style — and head coach Borthwick’s side are all the poorer because of it.

Read Nick Purewal’s full story here!

France title permutations

Saturday 18 March 2023 14:46 , Jonathan Gorrie

France, meanwhile, are still in with a shout of retaining their title.

Per the same source, here’s a look at how Les Bleus can do it.

How France can win the Six Nations title

• They beat Wales with a bonus point and Ireland lose without a bonus point: 20 points to 19

• They beat Wales with a bonus point and Ireland lose with a bonus point but France close the gap in points difference: 20 v 20

• They beat Wales without a bonus point and Ireland lose without a bonus point and France close the gap in points difference: 19 v 19

Ireland title permutations

Saturday 18 March 2023 14:42 , Jonathan Gorrie

Per the official Six Nations website, here’s how Ireland can win the Six Nations this evening.

How Ireland can win the Six Nations title

• They beat England – also a Grand Slam: 26 or 27 points

• They draw with England: 21 points

• They lose to England but pick up two bonus points: 21 points

• They lose to England picking up one bonus point and stay ahead of France on points difference: 20 points

• They lose to England picking up no bonus point but France win without a bonus point (and do not close the points difference gap) or fail to win

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website