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Everyone is saying the same thing after Ireland's loss to England
By Ian Cameron
Many rugby fans are saying the same thing after heavy underdogs England clinched a nail-biting Guinness Six Nations victory over Ireland with a 23-22 scoreline at Twickenham.
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The result has kept the Six Nations title race – which looked for all the world to be done and dusted – alive until the final weekend. The match also marked England’s most impressive display under Steve Borthwick’s leadership highlighted by Marcus Smith’s dramatic stoppage-time drop goal.
Smith who returned from a calf injury for his first tournament appearance became the hero by securing the win in the game’s final act effectively denying Ireland consecutive Grand Slams.
After much criticism, England found their attacking rhythm with Ollie Lawrence George Furbank and Ben Earl scoring tries against an Ireland team previously deemed ubackable favourites. Despite losing the lead just after halftime, England showcased resilience and a newfound attacking flair to take home an impressive win.
The match appeared to tilt in Ireland’s favour following James Lowe’s 72nd-minute try but England’s spirited late-game assault capped by Smith’s drop goal changed the narrative.
Pre-match discussions had lauded Ireland as potentially the world’s top team – a notion that England’s victory has now thrown into question.
Now, some variation of the same sardonic question being asked on social media: “Does that mean England are the greatest team in the world?”
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Former England prop David Flatman tweeted: “Does that mean the England are the best team in the world now?”
Does that mean the England are the best team in the world now?
— David Flatman (@davidflatman) March 9, 2024
Former England flyhalf Andy Goode tweeted more or less the same at former Wales captain Sam Warburton: “Does that mean we are now the best team in the world Sam Warburton?”
Does that mean we are now the best team in the world @samwarburton_?!
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) March 9, 2024
Many other accounts made the same sarky observation:
Does this make England the best team in the world ???? #ENGvIRE pic.twitter.com/d92pgYffcl
— M. (@Mbx_1) March 9, 2024
England are the best team in the World pic.twitter.com/rRLzQb9Jnh
— Alex Goldberg (@TrollusMaximus) March 9, 2024
So let me get this right… England now surely the best team in the world? (Springboks watching on in front of a cabinet with 4 RWCs!🏆🏆🏆🏆) 😉🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/oy9n8f4fZI
— Greg Sherwood MW (@gregsherwoodmw) March 9, 2024
There is a tournament which decides the best team in the world and it’s not called the six nations. If everyone doesn’t like it then let’s invent another one that we do like and use that as the benchmark.
One win doesn't make a champion, one loss doesn't make a failure. Ireland are least arrogant team (not that l, thatsays much) in my mind. England are a fantastic team but are inconsistent. They play with amazing commitment one minute and like a team of strangers the next. At their best they are skilled and innovative and capable of being the best in the world. Just have to deliver on it. Hype is driven by the press. The comments mean nothing, they are provocative to stir up feeling and conflict. Bad news is good news remember. Fickle and disloyal. That's journalism, generally, in the UK.
Look, I’m not saying, that Ireland are the most arrogant team, but they aren’t the least, either.
the irish are the most arrogant team there is what you on about
Good lord, is it possible for so many of the commentators here missing the joke this badly? It’s sarcasm ripping off the Irish for be so God awfully smugnes and getting ahead of themselves.
It was British NOT Irish journalists/pundits who said Ireland were the best team.in the world. If you’re going to insult people by calling them smug please get your facts straight.
No one serious is asking that question
Obviously not. It sarcastic. It’s just ripping the Irish fans and pundits off for once again getting ahead of themselves😂
James Lowe scored twice for Ireland, but missed touch finders which led to two England tries, thus losing Ireland the match.
As usual England fans does not equal “everyone”
Clearly missing the sarcasm here. No one (including the English believe this) they are ripping off the Irish for getting ahead of themselves.
Lets not get carried away here.
The big difference has been Borthwick is now allowing the players to play to their potential and not in his up and under mantra .
Its great to see and we will all trust the same policy of attack continues v France.
With Marcus at 10 of course. 7 missed point by Ford could have been a loss .
England aren’t the best team in the world but they are showing signs of a return to form in the occasional match performance like this. Unlike Ireland, England have not really been playing to their potential for a number of years - when they do, they are a threat.
Well done England but in order to be the best team you have to beat at least 3 of the top teams by one point to be the best team in the world.😂
They now have 1 outta 3
We'll see in July
British media saying Irish team best in world now British media distancing themselves from and pouring ridicule on their own pronouncements
AAAAAAAAAND WAIT FOR IT ,, SAFFAS LOSE THEIR S OVER THIS AGAIN .
What are you doinf here you racist twat
Surely the best team in the world are world cup winners which Ireland did not do .Well done England well deserved victory
World cup winners should be given a chance of playing a few matches before getting demoted. Generally until world cup sorts out its draw and scheduling there remains too much luck involved.
Best team in the world?? Do me a favour!! Surely a team must be capable and proven of winning more than once against a far superior team.
Looking don’t get me wrong a great performance by England and it’s kept this competition very competitive but best team in the world….not by a long shot!
Also Englands line out lading to the drop kick … was that a double pump throw in????
You do realise these are facetious comments don't you….?
Why are you taking this seriously?
🤣No one of consequence is saying it.
Doesn't being the best team in the world have a criteria of consistency?
No Nz is the best onsistent rugbyplaying coun try..Springboks the best RWc country.. best teams are Nz and Boks And Aus historically.. Ireland cathing up fast..but still o ky 8 wins in 118 years against NZ..
Think about if the article is really being serious before jumping in.
Absolutely!!
Given that the term Best in the World was only EVER bandied about by Warburton Jim Hamilton and other NON Irish commentators and no one from Irish media..(Botherick said it about 7 times) I assume you either choose to ignore that for clickbait purposes or you dont pay attention to your job.
Either way…lazy ass journalism.
Jamie Heaslip commenting much?
Sadly Ian your slightly tongue in cheek article is facing the wrong way. It is perhaps no coincidence that Mick Clearys feature article is highlighted underneath yours, it references “Ireland’s triumph path to the Grand Slam”. I think all this shows is the paucity of commentary and punditary and certainly confirms that the Kings of Arrogance no longer reside in London
Where do they reside now sorry? Unclear