England’s Six Nations campaign began with a stinging 27-22 defeat to reigning champions Ireland in Dublin, heaping pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick.
England were beaten 27-22 by the back-to-back champions in Dublin.
Irish TV pundits Shane Horgan, Matt Williams and Rob Kearney were impressed with Ireland's second half performance which saw three consecutive tries.
Back-to-back champions Ireland increased pressure on rival head coach Borthwick after tries from Jamison Gibson-Park, Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan secured a comeback, bonus-point success in Dublin.
Their ‘stifle Ireland’ plan had initially worked, seeing them 10-5 up at the break, but they caved in the second period.
Ireland increased pressure on England boss Steve Borthwick by launching their quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Guinness Six Nations title with a 27-22 bonus-point win in Dublin.
The data can give us an indication which squad is best prepared for a period of success and English and Italian fans should be happy
Interim boss Simon Easterby expects Dublin to be “bouncing” for Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations curtain-raiser against England.
There is plenty on the line in both the short and medium term for Ireland and England on Saturday.
The head coach has included the Curry twins for a first-ever Test start together, called up the uncapped Cadan Murley for a start on the left wing and also selected a six/two forwards/backs bench split.