Ireland go top after 14-13 win

Ireland defeated England 14-13 at Croke Park yesterday to take the outright lead in the Six Nations championship.

After three rounds, Ireland, who have not won a grand slam since 1948, are the only unbeaten team in the tournament.

The sides were level 3-3 at half-time after Ireland flyhalf Ronan O'Gara's single penalty success from three on an uncharacteristic off-day was matched just before the break by his opposite number Toby Flood.

Captain Brian O'Driscoll kicked a drop goal five minutes into the second half before slipping over for the game's first try 10 minutes later after England lost prop Phil Vickery to a yellow card. He was named man of the match.

England full-back Delon Armitage reduced the deficit to five before England suffered their 10th sin binning in four matches when Danny Care's infringement allowed O'Gara to stretch the lead.

An Armitage try, converted by replacement Andy Goode, proved too late for the visitors.

After holders Wales lost 21-16 in France on Friday, Ireland hold a two-point lead over both sides in their search for a first championship in 24 years.

Yesterday's victory, however, was very different from that of two years ago when Ireland romped to a 43-13 win in England's politically and historically charged first welcome to Croke Park's home of Gaelic sports.

O'Driscoll, who received attention for a blow to the head, said it had been a hard game.

"There were a few hazy parts for me," he told the BBC.

"We'll take a one-point victory over England every day. I don't think people give England the credit they deserve, they're always a hard team to beat. It's always very hard against them and we found that exactly to be the case today."

Asked about the yellow cards, he said: "It makes life a bit easier when you are playing against 14. We grafted well and I'm glad to have won."

Played yesterday

Scotland vs Italy : 26-6