England won a Six Nations match in Dublin for the first time in 10 years yesterday when Owen Farrell kicked them to a 12-6 victory to become the only team capable of winning a Grand Slam after just two rounds of matches.
Ireland, who lost fly-half Jonathan Sexton and wing Simon Zebo to injury in a first half in which the hosts’ handling was simply abysmal, trailed 6-0 at the break thanks to the ever-reliable boot of fly-half Farrell.
England, whose last championship victory in Ireland also coincided with their last Grand Slam win, were pegged back thanks to two penalties from replacement fly-half Ronan O’Gara, but Farrell restored their six-point lead just after the hour.
Both fly-halves missed a further shot each at goal in the closing minutes as England, who next host a French team already virtually out of the championship following two opening losses, comfortably saw the victory out.
England coach Stuart Lancaster hailed the maturity of his team after yesterday’s victory.
“I’m chuffed for the maturity of the whole team. There are a lot of young players out there playing in Dublin for the first time. We’ve got another win and we’ll take it,” Lancaster said.
By defeating Ireland, England are the only unbeaten team left in the tournament, but Lancaster does not believe that adds any extra pressure as they prepare for their next match, against twice-beaten France.
He said: “The stakes have always been high but they are getting higher with France coming to Twickenham on the back of losing (16-6 to Wales) yesterday (Saturday).”
Despite the magnitude of the game and all eyes being on him for the crucial penalty kicks, Farrell revealed he did not feel any pressure.
He said: “If you practise enough it is only another kick and it’s no different in the stadium.
“It was a massive game and I’m really excited to come over here and get stuck into the game. The conditions weren’t great but we rolled our sleeves up and got stuck in.
“The weather wasn’t great but the little things helped you along and I thought we did the little things well out there.”
Standings
England 4 points; Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Italy 2; France 0.
Next fixtures
February 23: Italy vs Wales; England vs France.
February 24: Scotland vs Ireland.