Superb England end Irish Grand Slam hopes

LONDON :Marcus Smith slotted a last-minute drop goal as England ended Ireland’s double Grand Slam dream with an exhilarating 23-22 win on Saturday in a brilliant attacking display that sent the Six Nations championship race to the final round.

After Scotland’s shock loss to Italy, Ireland knew victory would give them the title and set them up for back to back Grand Slams and they looked on course leading 12-8 at halftime despite being on the back foot for most of the first period.

Two James Lowe tries looked to have sealed victory for the visitors but tries by George Furbank and Ben Earl kept England within two points and in a thrilling finale Smith secured the win with the final kick of the match.

"I was excited to be honest we got an advantage in the wide channels," Smith told the BBC.

"To watch it from the back and get the forwards round the corner getting us momentum, I have been practising my drop-goals and I thought why not."

Ireland have 16 points and England, who visit France next week, are second on 12. Scotland, who go to Ireland next week, have 11. France are on six ahead of playing Wales on Sunday.

England, 4-1 outsiders on their own patch, played with an attacking verve rarely seen, certainly not under coach Steve Borthwick who had been promising they had a big performance in them.

They certainly delivered it on Saturday and though Ireland remain favourites for the title, the whole mood around the England camp will be lifted.

It was a strange first half, with England looking full of attacking intent but struggling to turn it into points.

They scored a terrific first try when Furbank again showed why he was preferred to Freddie Steward as he came into the line brilliantly to carve through and set up Ollie Lawrence to