England’s Six Nations title hopes are officially over for another year, but they delivered a spirited display against Ireland to close round four on Saturday evening.
Eddie Jones’ side were up against it from the off against Ireland, with Bath lock Charlie Ewels’ dangerous tackle on James Ryan earning him the quickest red card in championship history after only 82 seconds.
But England’s 14 men battled valiantly despite conceding first-half tries from James Lowe and Hugo Keenan, even levelling the game heading into the final quarter courtesy of the boot of Marcus Smith.
However, their brilliant resolve was finally ended by Johnny Sexton on his final Twickenham appearance and late scores from Jack Conan and Finlay Bealham.
The final score of 15-32 was harsh on England, who had wing Jack Nowell operating at flanker for most of the game.
Triumphant Ireland still have a chance of Six Nations glory this year as they face Scotland on the final weekend, but they need England to do them a favour against Grand Slam-chasing France in Paris.
