'It was a long time waiting for days like today'

Saturday's Guinness Six Nations win against England was another step along the road for Andy Farrell's Ireland.

Aside from the obvious five match points, it was a new experience for many.

For Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Jamison Gibson Park, Dan Sheehan and Caelan Doris, it was a first big Test match win on the road played to the tune of a raucous crowd cheering on the opposition.

Had Ireland's 2022 Six Nations campaign come and gone without a win either in Paris or Twickenham, it would have been a real setback in their development towards the World Cup next year.

It was Keenan's 19th cap, but just his second time dealing with a full stadium that wasn't cheering his every move.

The Leinster full-back had some rare missteps in that defeat against France four weeks ago, but yesterday was arguably his best yet in a green shirt, scoring Ireland's second try and commanding the skies with whatever the English backfield kicked his way.

Having played so much of his professional rugby behind closed doors and within Covid-19 restrictions, he and his teammates got to savour a rare Twickenham win in front of the stands, along with the many friends and family who had made the trip over.

"To have the likes of my parents over, one of my brothers was over, and to see so many familiar faces in the crowd, these are the days you want to be involved in," he said, following the 32-15 win.

"Although it was frustrating out there, it makes all the hard work worth it.

"It was a long time waiting for days like today, there were ups and downs along the way but hopefully the family and every other Ireland fans, there was loads of them over, enjoyed it."

The 25-year-old was roundly praised for his workrate after scoring what was his sixth international try,