Ireland vs England LIVE: Six Nations 2023 result and reaction as Ireland seal grand slam after red card
Ireland 29-16 England: Freddie Steward’s controversial red card helped change the game as Ireland completed a deserved 2023 Six Nations grand slam in Dublin
Ireland completed just their fourth-ever Six Nations grand slam with a 29-16 victory over England at the Aviva Stadium, emphatically underlining their status as the world’s top-ranked team heading into September’s World Cup.
None of Ireland’s three previous clean sweeps had been completed in Dublin but this victory over their fiercest rivals was the sweetest way to seal a deserved grand slam on St Patrick’s Day weekend.
There was controversy late in the first half when England full back Freddie Steward was sent off for a dangerous hit on Hugo Keenan despite bracing for impact and turning away from his opposite number, with contact appearing accidental. The harsh call prompted a mountain of reaction on Twitter, including from England cricket captain Ben Stokes.
However, Ireland were still good value for their victory, as Dan Sheehan scored two tries, with Robbie Henshaw and Rob Herring also dotting down, to fulfil Irish dreams.
Relive the action from the Aviva Stadium below:
Ireland 29-16 England, 82 minutes
Nothing doing at the maul, nor around the fringes, either. Owen Farrell is short of men to pass to, forced to throw to Henry Slade on the blindside, who is caught a little off-guard and behind the gainline by Conor Murray.
A pass flies errant, and Ireland rush through after Manu Tuilagi. Knocked on by Irish hands - it matters not. IRELAND HAVE WON THE GRAND SLAM!
Ireland 29-16 England, 81 minutes
One last shot for England as a high tackle allows Owen Farrell to find the left corner. Jamie George will throw the lineout.
Ireland 29-16 England, 80 minutes
A converted England score would earn the visitors a losing bonus point, which they would probably merit after a battling performance. You have to wonder where this sort of fight was against France.
Ireland 29-16 England, 79 minutes
Into the final minute. Andy Farrell can barely hide his own grin in the coaches’ box, and Robbie Henshaw is biting his lip, too. A special moment for all involved - forget the red card today, this has been an outstanding campaign through which Ireland have been consistently the best side by a distance.
TRY! IRELAND 29-16 England (Rob Herring try, 77 minutes)
The replacement hooker clinches it!
Dublin, get ready to celebrate. Rob Herring produces the broadest of smiles as he spots England short of defenders on the blindside as the Irish maul begins to form.
A pair of backs might have been a touch unhappy with Herring had he not been able to reach for the line, the hooker eschewing his support to go it alone but able to place cleanly down. That’s the bonus point score, too.
Yellow card! Jack Willis is sent to the sin bin! Ireland 24-16 England, 76 minutes
It’s not the prettiest from Willis, lifting Ross Byrne beyond the horizontal and dumping him over the top of an England teammate. It’s more clumsy than reckless, but a yellow card is about fair, and England will end the game with only 13 on the field.
Dan Sheehan is named Player of the Match.
Ireland 24-16 England, 76 minutes
Jaco Peyper blows his whistle sharply twice - the TMO wants to look at a clearout from Jack Willis.
Ireland 24-16 England, 74 minutes
Irish changes at half-back, with the home fans inside the Aviva Stadium rising to their feet as Johnny Sexton departs the Six Nations stage. Worryingly, Sexton leaves with a major limp, requiring assistance from a medic and pointing at the top of his leg - you hope that isn’t at all serious, but the Ireland captain will surely sign off with a trophy lift tonight.
Jamison Gibson-Park is replaced, too. Conor Murray and Ross Byrne come on.
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