Ireland's second half surge seals bonus point win over England in Six Nations opener

Ireland have beaten England 27-22 to kick off their Six Nations campaign at the Aviva Stadium.

Winger Cadam Murley marked his debut for the visitors with an early try, while Marcus Smith kicked five-points.

Jamison Gibson Park went over for Ireland's try in the 35th minute, but Sam Prendergast missed the conversion.

It was 10-5 at half-time but a second half surge propelled Ireland into the lead which they never gave up.

Bundee Aki beat three defenders on the wing to put Ireland ahead before Tadgh Beirne went over to make it 20-10.

Leinster's Dan Sheehan returned from injury to seal the bonus point win late on.

Fly-half rivals Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley kicked three and four points respectively for the hosts in front of onlooking regular head coach Andy Farrell before late tries from Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman made the final score more respectable from an English perspective.

England lost seven of 12 Tests during a disappointing 2024, albeit they ultimately denied Ireland successive championship Grand Slams courtesy of a last-gasp 23-22 Twickenham win in March.

A huge W to kick off our title defence!