Ireland clinches Six Nations Grand Slam with victory over England | World News
Ireland won the Grand Slam Six Nations for the fourth time with a 29-16 victory over England in Dublin.
The win gives the team a huge boost, cementing their status as the world’s top-ranked team ahead of the World Cup in September in France.
England struggled to get within a point with just 20 minutes to go, despite playing with just 14 men in the second half.
But the belated efforts of Robbie Henshaw, Rob Herring and a second man of the match Dan Sheehan have secured Ireland their 15th and fifth league title since 2009.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton later said: “You don’t get it – it’s like living in a dream.
“We didn’t play our best but damn – what a team.
“What a group of coaches.
“To be here and win St Patrick’s weekend, it’s unbelievable – what a day.”
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England had hoped to regain some pride after a record 53-10 defeat at the hands of France.
Captain Owen Farrell said on Saturday night: “I think we fought very hard.
“Obviously the game changed with the card [Freddie Steward was sent off on the stroke of half-time following an arm to the head of Hugo Keenan]but we still show a lot of battle and get stuck in it.
“We’ve built some foundations throughout the Six Nations but obviously we want to be a better team.”
England finished the competition in fourth place, behind France in second and Scotland in third. Wales is fifth and that is another wooden spoon for Italy.