Ireland start Six Nations title defence with England win

Ireland had to come from behind as they launched their bid for an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title with a hard-fought 27-22 win over England in Dublin on Saturday.

The reigning champions were 10-5 behind at half-time at Lansdowne Road. But tries from Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan saw Ireland into a seemingly commanding 27-10 lead before Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman went over for England late in the game.

This bonus-point victory was an ideal way for Ireland to mark interim coach Simon Easterby's first game in charge, with Andy Farrell now seconded to the British and Irish Lions.

By contrast, the result meant England -- who haven't finished higher than third since they last won the Six Nations in 2020 -- were beaten in their first Test under new captain Maro Itoje.

England lost seven out of 12 Tests in 2024 but were the only side to beat Ireland in last year's Six Nations.

Steve Borthwick's men took a ninth-minute lead on Saturday when Henry Slade chipped ahead for left wing Cadan Murley to score a try on Test debut.

Marcus Smith, preferred to Fin Smith at flyhalf, converted from wide out to leave England 7-0 ahead.

Ireland, however, then laid siege to England's line with hooker Ronan Kelleher powering over following a close-range tap penalty, only for his try to be disallowed because Beirne had illegally held Itoje at the ruck.

England, with twins Ben and Tom Curry starting a Test together for the first time as they flanked No 8 Ben Earl in the back row, were looking to run Ireland off their feet.

Their plans were disrupted, however, when Marcus Smith was yellow-carded after infringing near his own line in the 25th minute.

Ireland eventually made their pressure count shortly before Smith's return when