Ireland wrecked England’s hopes of a Six Nations grand slam yesterday, outclassing their opponents 24-8 in a one-sided encounter at Lansdowne Road.

Still, Martin Johnson’s men still finished as Six Nations champions as nearest rivals Wales lost to France 28-9 at the Stade de France last night to leave England on top with eight points from five matches.

Tries from wing Tommy Bowe, captain Brian O’Driscoll – setting a new all-time record for the tournament of 25 – and 14 points from fly-half Jonathan Sexton gave Ireland a deserved victory that was even more one-sided than the lop-sided final score suggested.

England, bidding to win their first grand slam since triumphing in Dublin in 2003, were second best to the Irish in almost every department, outmuscled in the forwards and outplayed in the backs.

But the emphatic nature of England’s defeat will give manager Martin Johnson and his players a stinging reality check as they now turn their attention to this year’s World Cup in New Zealand.

“We’ll take this on the chin,” said Johnson, who captained England to Grand Slam glory here in 2003.

“They outplayed us but they are a savvy team. They do what they do very well. Our first-half was horrible. We did everything you shouldn’t do when you play away from home.

“We got it wrong today.”

England captain Nick Easter – standing in for the injured 2003 Grand Slam and World Cup winning centre Mike Tindall – was blunt in defeat.

“They came at us like a steam train and we just didn’t deliver on the day,” said the 32-year-old.

O’Driscoll was ecstatic to have rounded off a tournament where the team had attracted criticism.

“We knew we had this type of performance in us,” said the 33-year-old.

“They couldn’t live with us. At half-time we said we wanted to put them to the sword but we didn’t manage that.

“As a team you are always going to be criticised but you don’t become a bad team overnight.”

Scotland beat Italy 21-8 at Murrayfield in their Six Nations match leaving the Italians with the wooden spoon.

Tries in quick succession in the second half by substitute Nick De Luca and late call-up Nikki Walker gave the hosts their first tries at Murrayfield since November 2009 as Italy were unable to keep up their momentum from the historic victory over France last weekend.

Scotland’s first win of the campaign sees them edge Italy on points difference.