Ireland had to come from behind against England to get their bid for a third successive Six Nations title off to a winning 27-22 bonus-point start thanks to a ferocious second half after the visitors had made life very uncomfortable.
England got their gameplan spot on in the first half to lead 10-5 at the break, taking a deserved early lead through a debut Cadan Murley try before frustrating a stop-start Ireland at the breakdown with only Jamison Gibson-Park able to break through.
The game swung decisively Ireland's way early in the second half with a powerful Bundee Aki try and Sam Prendergast penalty putting them ahead for the first time after 55 minutes before a Tadhg Beirne try delivered a knockout blow 10 minutes later.
The relentless hosts pushed for the fourth bonus point-clinching try to cap off interim coach Simon Easterby's first game in charge and got it through replacement Dan Sheehan before Tom Curry halted the second-half onslaught and Tommy Freeman grabbed another consolation try at the death.
Relive all of the updates from the Aviva Stadium in our live blog below:
Ireland vs England LIVE
- Ireland beat England 27-22 in Dublin to conclude the opening weekend of the Six Nations
- Ireland kick-off hunt for an unprecedented third title in a row with a five-point win
- Steve Borthwick's side suffer familiar problems as they fade in the second half
- REPORT: Impressive Ireland set sail in search of Six Nations history as England wilt again
- 80' - TRY! Freeman scores late consolation to give England losing bonus point (IRE 27-22 ENG)
- 76' - TRY! Curry dots down after good work from Lawrence and Murley (IRE 27-15 ENG)
- 72' - TRY! Sheehan with two brilliant passes then finishes the move (IRE 27-10 ENG)
- 65' - TRY! Beirne takes pass from Lowe over the whitewash (IRE 20-10 ENG)
- 52' - TRY! Aki finishes superbly to level the scores (IRE 10-10 ENG)
- 35' - TRY! Gibson-Park finishes well after break by Lowe (IRE 5-10 ENG)
- 9' - TRY! Murley latches on to Slade kick for debut try (IRE 0-7 ENG)
REPORT: Impressive Ireland set sail in search of Six Nations history as England wilt again
18:53 , Luke BakerWith a new hand at the helm, the good ship Ireland is sailing successfully again. Off in search of treasure Simon Easterby’s side embarked with victory over England; there is plenty that must be navigated before the twice defending champions begin to truly contemplate an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations crown, but this was an excellent start.
England had rocked their winning vessel in the first half with defensive zeal but there felt little doubt that an Ireland side used to rough seas would eventually emerge on top. Away they accelerated at a rate of knots to start the Easterby era with a victory made narrow by two late English tries but decided long before.
Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s report from the Aviva Stadium in Dublin:
Impressive Ireland set sail in search of Six Nations history as England wilt again
More from Steve Borthwick
19:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle“We play France next week and we are looking forward to being backc in front of our supporters. I think we are seeing a team that is starting to develop how we want to attack and to work incredibly hard for each other. Ireland have been a top team for so long. That experience told in the third quarter, which allowed them to get the scoreboard pressure that we couldn’t claw back.”
Maro Itoje adds his thoughts
19:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle“The first half was really good. In the second half, we didn’t quite execute the gameplan in terms of field position and territory. We fought to get the losing bonus point at the end, and that is admirable.
“It’s always been a tremendous honour to be [England captain]. The team received me well and it was a good Test match. We played really well in the first half, and in the second half we didn’t quite execute. But overall, in terms of how I found the captaincy, it was fine.
“It is what it is. Our role is to learn from it and build and get better. There were large parts of our game in which I think we took a step forward today. Our energy on the field, the vibrancy in attack. But there are things to learn and get better.”
Steve Borthwick reacts to England's defeat
19:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle“Immense credit to Ireland. They are such an experienced team and in that third quarter they did really well. There were two kick exchanges that they won and a couple of penalties that we conceded that gave them opportunities. That was a critical period.
“I’m very proud of the way the players attacked the game in the first half and then in the final quarter, the way they came back with a couple of tries to get us a bonus point.
“We started the second half with a whole lot of energy and endeavour. I thought that our effort against one of the best attacking sides in the world showed that the team has improved defensively.”
Maro Itoje discusses England defeat
19:10 , Luke BakerNot the first game as England captain that Maro Itoje would have wanted. Here’s what he had to say afterwards
"I thought the first half was fantastic and we did everything we wanted to do. The second half we lost the territory a little bit and we struggled to get out.
"We just need to control the territory better and be more consistent.
"It's hard to tell what the exact reason [for the loss] is at this point, so soon after after the game. We weren't able to exit our half as quickly as we would have liked."
🗣️ "Every point matters so I'm proud of our team not giving in."
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) February 1, 2025
Captain Maro Itoje on England's performance in Dublin ⬇️#GuinnessM6N | #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/pAV35rSsR2
Jamison Gibson-Park reflects on Ireland win
19:00 , Luke BakerIreland scrum half Jamison Gibson-Park was named player of the match and he spoke to ITV after the match to give his thoughts.
"It was a little patchy to begin with but we produced some nice stuff in the end. A lot of credit to England. We improved our accuracy and things stuck better in the second half.
"I am super lucky to be part of this squad and I am just enjoying my footie. It is an unbelievable team and environment."
🗣️ "I'm just pretty lucky to be in front of a pack that's going forward!"
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) February 1, 2025
Player of the Match Jamison Gibson-Park chats to @topsy_ojo after Ireland kicked off their title defence with a win over England 🙌#GuinnessM6N | #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/JzxeFMVNyJ
FULL-TIME! Ireland 27-22 England
18:45 , Luke BakerAll over in Dublin. A tense first half saw England lead by five points at the break but Ireland blew them away in the second 40 and secure a bonus point.
A couple of late England tries narrowed the final scoreline and earned a losing bonus point but the game was largely done and dusted by that stage.
TRY! Ireland 27-22 England (Tommy Freeman, 80 mins)
18:41 , Luke BakerEngland do at least leave with a losing bonus point as they grab a last-gasp try.
Theo Dan drifts outside his man and then offloads to Tommy Freeman, who produces a clever stop and go to accelerate through a gap and run in under the sticks.
Smith adds the simple conversion and although England have been outclassed in this second half, the final scoreline is relatively close.
Ireland 27-15 England, 79 mins
18:38 , Luke BakerIreland just seeing this game out now. They almost have another try but Lowe is pushed into touch in the 22.
TRY! Ireland 27-15 England (Tom Curry, 75 mins)
18:37 , Luke BakerIt's England's first real attacking opportunity of the second half and they've scored. Lovely play from Lawrence to beat Healy and make good ground, he then passes to Murley out wide. A flip back inside and Tom Curry runs in for the try.
Smith's conversion is wide of the left post
Ireland 27-10 England, 75 mins
18:36 , Luke BakerOnce again, England have faded in the final quarter of the game. This was the issue throughout 2024.
Meanwhile, Ireland have come on strong.
TRY! Ireland 27-10 England (Dan Sheehan, 72 mins)
18:31 , Luke BakerGreat pass by Dan Sheehan to free Conan, who slices through a gap and makes plenty of ground.
Sheehan then with another long pass to Lowe, who powers down the left flank and then pops back inside to the supporting Sheehan for the score! Brilliant by the replacement hooker.
Crowley adds the extras and Ireland will win this game as they wrap up the bonus point.
Ireland 20-10 England, 71 mins
18:27 , Luke BakerIreland look set to score from the lineout but Curry with an important turnover and England can exit. Good battling.
Randall then makes a mess of a box kick - things aren’t looking good for England.
Ireland 20-10 England, 68 mins
18:25 , Luke BakerAnother Cadan Murley error in his own in-goal area. He has the patience to let the ball bounce into the in-goal area, he needs to just tap it down.
Instead he picks it up, tries to come out of the in-goal and is immediately pushed into touch. Really poor from a Test player
Ireland 20-10 England, 67 mins
18:23 , Luke BakerFin Smith and Harry Randall on for England - a new half-back pairing. Marcus Smith goes to full back. It’s starting to look bleak for England though.
Ireland fire and up-and-under from the free-kick, Dan collects but goes backwards. England haven’t had possession in Irish territory for a long time.
TRY! Ireland 20-10 England (Tadhg Beirne, 65 mins)
18:22 , Luke BakerIs that the game for Ireland? Great running lines, great timing on the Gibson-Park pass and Lowe glides through a gpa, draws a defender and flips it to Tadhg Beirne to run over.
Beautifully worked and that’s the Ireland execution we’re used to. Crowley adds the extras and Ireland have a healthy lead.
Big minutes for fourth-choice prop Thomas Clarkson
18:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Aviva Stadium in DublinThe sight of Finlay Bealham limping off is a real concern for Ireland with Tahdg Furlong already injured and Tom O'Toole not available until round three due to suspension. These could be big minutes for Thomas Clarkson, who is a tighthead of real promise.
Ireland 13-10 England, 63 mins
18:19 , Luke BakerIreland’s turn to knock on as Doris drops the ball when running into traffic - it was thrown quite hard at him. We’ve had 13 handling errors between the two teams today though.
Iain Henderson on for Ryan in Ireland’s second row.
England win a free-kick at the scrum, Sheehan pinged for creating instability, and Smith launches a high kick that bounces back to England but Smith then gets enveloped by a green blob just inside his own half.
Oh dear, Cunningham-South takes Keenan out a touch early as he’s jumping. Penalty to Ireland and Lowe comes in with some pushing to protect his mate.
Ireland 13-10 England, 61 mins
18:16 , Luke BakerMore pack reinforcements for England as Ollie Chessum and Chandler Cunningham-South enter the fray.
England attack but turn the ball over in contact and Hansen boots the ball deep into the opposition 22, forcing Steward to scramble kick clear towards halfway. Ireland starting to win the collisions, which will worry Steve Borthwick
Ireland 13-10 England, 59 mins
18:14 , Luke BakerSmith goes to the air again in attack with an up-and-under but Henshaw does well to knock it down and pounce on it.
Jack Crowley on at fly half for Prendergast.
Steve Borthwick turns to his beefy bench
18:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Aviva Stadium in DublinThis is a beefed up bench for England, six forwards on it. Steve Borthwick will be hoping for far more punch from them than the replacements produced in the autumn in a series of limp showings - Saracens pair Tom Willis and Theo Dan are first to be utilised to try and swing the contest back their way.
Ireland 13-10 England, 57 mins
18:11 , Luke BakerThis is getting very tense now - the penalty count is starting to hurt England and they’ll need to tidy that up.
Premiership standout Tom Willis comes on in the back row for the visitors.
PENALTY! Ireland 13-10 England (Sam Prendergast, 55 mins)
18:08 , Luke BakerIreland lead for the first time tonight. England are pinged for pulling on the lifter at the lineout. Tough call, didn’t look much in it.
Long-distance penalty and Sam Prendergast slots it superbly.
TRY! Ireland 10-10 England (Bundee Aki, 52 mins)
18:05 , Luke BakerThis is an incredible finish from Bundee Aki! And Ireland are level again.
Gibson-Park goes left, finds Keenan who lofts it to Aki on the wing. He barrels through Smith and then spins through attempted tackles from Freeman and Mitchell, staying strong to touch down in the corner. Power, strength and balance from the veteran centre.
Prendergast nowhere near with the touchline conversion.
Ireland lacking accuracy as backs-to-the-wall England holding on
18:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Aviva Stadium in DublinIreland have shown none of their usual accuracy and composure in the England 22 today. It has all felt hurried from the hosts, over-eager to punch for the line rather than playing with patience.
They've had more than enough chances to build a lead here, and you sense a bit of niggle is helping the visitors, who are producing a proper backs-against-the-wall performance.
Ireland 5-10 England, 50 mins
18:02 , Luke BakerBarrelling carry from Lawrence off first-phase ball and he flattens Prendergast who looks shaken. Mitchell clears and England have escaped.
A few Ireland changes as Sheehan among those coming on.
Ireland 5-10 England, 49 mins
18:00 , Luke BakerIreland go to the corner and run their lineout play as Kelleher clatters into defenders. Within a metre of the line but England have turned it over somehow! Cowan-Dickie dislodges it, I think.
It’s a mess right on the line and eventually England are awarded a scrum on their own five-metre line.
Ireland 5-10 England, 48 mins
17:58 , Luke BakerKelleher takes it in, then Van der Flier has a go before Bealham does likewise. Penalty coming so Ireland go expansive out to the left but Mitchell tackles Lowe really well.
Back for the penalty but only following a bit of afters, some pushing and shoving. Captains Itoje and Doris get spoken to by referee Ben O’Keeffe.
Ireland 5-10 England, 47 mins
17:56 , Luke BakerThe scrum is reset first time round before Ireland get the free-kick for pre-engagement from England. It’ll be a tap and go.
Ireland 5-10 England, 45 mins
17:54 , Luke BakerIreland win the scrum penalty as Genge deemed to be hinging. A win for Bealham there but that looked close...
Anyway, Ireland build from halfway. And they boot deep - Murley makes a mess of it, letting the ball bounce over his head, he then panics as it bounces back, grabbing it before it goes dead. He should let that go dead but picks it up and runs out of the in-goal area.
He’s caught just outside and Ireland then win the scrum. Huge moment and mistake from Cadan Murley
Ireland 5-10 England, 42 mins
17:52 , Luke BakerGreat work by Tom Curry to pilfer the ball at the breakdown - a turnover for the back rower.
England with lineout on Irish 22 and they run a play to the right as Smith tries a dart through but Mitchell’s pass to Genge is then deemed forward. Scrum for Ireland in their own territory.
KICK-OFF! Ireland 5-10 England
17:50 , Luke BakerBack underway in Dublin. A huge 40 minutes in the context of this Six Nations
HALF-TIME! Ireland 5-10 England
17:37 , Luke BakerIt’s been tense, smash-mouth stuff in Dublin but England lead by five points at half-time.
Cadan Murley grabbed an early debut try before England had their backs to the wall for the next 20 minutes, with Jamison Gibson-Park eventually breaking through for an Ireland score. But Marcus Smith’s penalty has put the hosts further ahead at the break.
This should be a fascinating second 40 minutes.
PENALTY! Ireland 5-10 England (Marcus Smith, 40 mins)
17:35 , Luke BakerIt’s bang in front of the posts and Marcus Smith makes no mistake.
England will have a five-point lead at the break
Ireland 5-7 England, 39 mins
17:34 , Luke BakerGreat break by Earl, who drifts and then steps into a flat Smith pass and floats into a hole. Superb play.
England into the 22 and win the penalty. Three points upcoming before half-time?
Ireland 5-7 England, 38 mins
17:32 , Luke BakerMarcus Smith back from the sin-bin so it’s 15 vs 15. In the final knocking of his absence, England conceded.
Joe Heyes on for Will Stuart in the front row for England. Looks like Stuart’s smart mouthguard went off, signalling a hit over the allowed threshold, prompting a concussion check
TRY! Ireland 5-7 England (Jamison Gibson-Park, 35 mins)
17:28 , Luke BakerBut as I say that, there is the try! Alex Mitchell won’t want to see this again. He misses a one on one tackle with Lowe who makes good ground down the left.
He draws another defender and passes inside to the supporting Jamison Gibson-Park, who produces a stunning step to cut inside his man and slide over the line. Lovely try.
Prendergast misses the very makeable conversion though so England still lead.
Ireland 0-7 England, 34 mins
17:26 , Luke BakerThe English work-rate in defence is superb. Another Ireland mistake as Kelleher’s pass hits the deck as England aggressively push up.
They haven’t taken advantage of the extra man and Smith will be back on shortly.
England's new-look defence hanging tough
17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Aviva Stadium in DublinEngland are hanging in there defensively - just about. The sight of both Ben Curry and Maro Itoje having their leg muscles seen to reflects just how hard they are having to work to stay with Ireland, who are beginning to find their flow in phase play.
The hosts remain without a score, though, which will very much please visiting defence coach Joe El-Abd after a paring back of the blitz system.
Ireland 0-7 England, 32 mins
17:24 , Luke BakerIreland with a short lineout routine and Kelleher sneaks down the blindside. England then give away the penalty. Good position for Ireland here
Ireland 0-7 England, 31 mins
17:23 , Luke BakerPoor lineout from Cowan-Dickie - overthrown and Ireland claim it. They surge forward and are up to the 22 with a line-break - Aki to Prendergast wrapping around Sexton-style and then Ringrose.
Quick ball takes them to the right but another error as they knock on in contact and England have it back. More gutsy defence - Ireland need more composure in these good positions.
Ireland 0-7 England, 30 mins
17:20 , Luke BakerAnother big moment for England as Tom Curry works hard at the breakdown after a Lawrence tackle on Hansen. Penalty win on his own 22 and celebrations from the 14 men.
They’re battling hard here. A bit of relief as the kick clear is up to halfway.
Ireland 0-7 England, 27 mins
17:18 , Luke BakerIreland kick to the corner but 14-man England then win the turnover as Ryan is pinged for being in front of the runner and obstructing.
That’s not a great kick clear though. Lineout on their own 22 for England. Cleanly won and then they exit better as they get up to halfway
SIN-BIN! Ireland 0-7 England, 25 mins
17:16 , Luke BakerGreat break through the line by Hansen and he offloads to Baird to power forward for more metres.
England are in desperation mode and Marcus Smith cynically slows things down and gets sin-binned for his troubles. England down to 14 men for the next 10 minutes.
Ireland 0-7 England, 24 mins
17:15 , Luke BakerGood work over the ball by Beirne, get hands on it and wins the turnover. England too slow to react at the breakdown.
Prendergast finds touch in the England half and Ireland build from the lineout - throwing over the top to Aki.
Ireland 0-7 England, 23 mins
17:13 , Luke BakerEngland sharp at the lineout but a fairly aimless Mitchell kick is right down the throat of Lowe. His mammoth left boot thumps clear to England’s 22.
Decent return by Steward but a bit more kick tennis ends with Keenan finding touch on halfway. It’s still pretty cagey stuff as you might expect.
England will be happy with how they’ve acquitted themselves on hostile ground so far.
Ireland 0-7 England, 21 mins
17:10 , Luke BakerEngland on the attack again and Freeman has a bit of space on the right. Desperate tap tackle from Aki slows him down before Keenan completes the job and Freeman’s kick goes into touch.
Ireland will have the lineout in their own 22
Ireland 0-7 England, 18 mins
17:08 , Luke BakerGood news for Ireland. Mack Hansen is back on - turns out it was a blood reversal. He was limping though, so we’ll see how he goes.
NO TRY! Ireland 0-7 England
17:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Aviva StadiumThe first truly pivotal intervention of Maro Itoje’s England captaincy. His manner wasn’t perhaps ideal, but the lock was immediately screaming at Ben O’Keeffe after the try was scored having known that he had been held by an Irish player off their feet. Once it went to the TMO, there was only going to be one decision - England get out of a bit of bother unscathed.
NO TRY! Ireland 0-7 England
17:04 , Luke BakerTap and go again. First surge is stopped but Ronan Kelleher picks up and dives through a big hole for the try! Nicely done by Ireland.
Simple conversion upcoming for Prendergast but we’ve got a TMO check...
Wow - it’s been disallowed! Itoje was having his leg held at the ruck by Beirne, who was on the floor, stopping him getting away and making the tackle, so it’s a penalty to England. That was the correct call.
Ireland 0-7 England, 16 mins
17:03 , Luke BakerIreland spread the ball but England force them 15 metres out. Another penalty and yellow cards can’t be far away.
Yep, referee Ben O’Keefe warns England skipper Maro Itoje that the next penalty will be a sin-bin. Tough ask for England to keep Ireland out now.
Ireland 0-7 England, 15 mins
17:01 , Luke BakerLineout secured and Ireland are five metres out. Lowe has a dart at a great angle and almost wriggles to the line. Back for another penalty for offside.
Ireland tap and go with Kelleher going first
Ireland 0-0 England, 12 mins
16:59 , Luke BakerFirst scrum of the day on the England 22 and Ireland are pressured but win it with the put-in. Out to the backs and Keenan darts to the 22.
England give away the penalty and Ireland kick to the corner. Big call!
TRY! Ireland 0-7 England (Cadan Murley, 9 mins)
16:57 , Luke BakerThat’s a way to mark your international debut! Less than 10 minutes in and Cadan Murley has a try!
It’s brilliant by Slade as he slides a kick through, past Van der Flier, it bounces beyond Keenan and Murley dives on it to score in the corner.
Great conversion by Smith from the touchline and England lead in Dublin.
Ireland 0-0 England, 8 mins
16:55 , Luke BakerCaptain Itoje with a carry on halfway before Mitchell launches a box-kick. It bounces off Lowe but Irish hands claim it.
England come again and Lawrence weaves between two tackles before Mitchell takes England into the 22.
Ireland 0-0 England, 7 mins
16:54 , Luke BakerQuick hands from England as Earl and Curry have probing carries. Smith goes to the air again but it’s well claimed by Lowe on his own 22.
Prendergast shows and goes but good tackle from Mitchell. Ireland seemingly happy to play in their own half... But the ball dribbles out of play from a breakdown near touch. Off an England hand, so Ireland lineout.
Cagey stuff so far. England keen to kick, Ireland happier to play.
Ireland 0-0 England, 4 mins
16:51 , Luke BakerMack Hansen may have taken a knock - he looks a bit shaken up. Smith goes to the boot again, low cross-field kick looking for a man on the right wing but it’s a shade beyond Ben Curry and into touch. You can see England’s kicking tactic already.
Ah, really bad news for Ireland. Hansen is limping badly and he goes off after just four minutes. Robbie Henshaw on and he’ll play at 13 with Ringrose out to the wing.
Ireland 0-0 England, 3 mins
16:49 , Luke BakerLots of high kicks from both sides so far. But then Smith dummies, slices through a gap and charges towards the 22 before lofting a long pass to Freeman out wide.
England set up in the 22 now
Ireland 0-0 England, 2 mins
16:48 , Luke BakerEngland recover the ball from kick-off and Smith kicks again forcing an early Ireland lineout on their 22.
Baird rises high to claim and Ireland exit up towards halfway with the box-kick. Murley catches and gets levelled! Welcome to international rugby, kid!
KICK-OFF! Ireland 0-0 England
16:46 , Luke BakerAnd we’re off at the Aviva Stadium! Marcus Smith boots the ball into the Dublin air to get us going. This should be a cracker
Ireland v England anthems
16:42 , Luke BakerThe teams are out for the anthems and we’re not far from kick-off now.
What England must prove under Steve Borthwick
16:40 , Luke BakerHow much progress have England made under Steve Borthwick? They would claim plenty, but two years after the head coach’s arrival, their record is just 14 wins from 28 games.
It is surely time for this side to deliver.
The key Steve Borthwick decision that will decide England's Six Nations fate
Maro Itoje ready for first match as captain
16:35 , Luke BakerMaro Itoje captains England for the first time this afternoon, with the lock as Steve Borthwick’s chosen leader for the present and the future.
Itoje’s pedigree as a leader is significant – after being a Junior World Cup-winning captain with England’s Under-20s, he grew into a figure of significant stature quickly at Saracens even in a squad blessed with some of the game’s biggest personalities.
The last three permanent England captains have all been drawn from north London and Itoje will no doubt have learnt plenty from Owen Farrell and George, who remains as a lieutenant.
How to watch Ireland v England
16:32 , Luke BakerIf you’re in the United Kingdom, you can stream Ireland v England live on ITVX.
The match is also live on ITV1 with Eddie Jones among the pundits.
Ireland vs England match officials
16:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: James Doleman (New Zealand) & Hollie Davidson (Sco)
Television Match Official: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
Foul Play Review Officer: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
Ireland vs England referee: Who is Six Nations official Ben O’Keeffe?
Ireland vs England
16:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Aviva Stadium in DublinA very good afternoon from a dry, relatively mild Dublin. The city centre felt surprisingly quiet a little earlier but the Ballsbridge bars were beginning to busy on the walk up to the Aviva Stadium, and the well lubricated masses are starting to fill the green seats of Ireland’s home. Despite clear skies, this will be a big day, one feels, for both back threes in the air - Ireland are sure to test Cadan Murley on Test debut. The Harlequins wing has improved significantly under the high ball but this is quite the stage on which to make your international bow.
Eddie Jones gives his thoughts on the game
16:19 , Luke BakerEx-England coach Eddie Jones is a pundit for ITV today and he’s given his early thoughts pre-match
🗣️ "I think they'll get out of the blocks today, be really aggressive and tough and get on top of Ireland early."
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) February 1, 2025
Our newest pundit, Eddie Jones, on England's mentality today 🌹#GuinnessM6N | #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/YwU4CqcV0X
What will British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell be watching during the Six Nations?
16:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe battle of the captains between Maro Itoje and Caelan Doris will be worth watching in the context of a Lions year, with the pair shaping as the two contenders to skipper the touring team in Australia this summer. What else might Andy Farrell particularly be watching?
What will Lions coach Andy Farrell be watching during the Six Nations?
Maro Itoje fulfils his destiny as England’s ‘world-class’ leader for the present and future
16:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleMaro Itoje captains England for the first time this afternoon, the lock Steve Borthwick’s chosen leader for the present and the future.
Maro Itoje fulfils destiny as England’s leader for the present and future
Team news - England
15:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland hand a debut to Harlequins wing Cadan Murley, with Freddie Steward also included in the back three with both Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and George Furbank absent due to injury. Tom and Ben Curry start together for the first time in international colours at senior level as the identical twins join Ben Earl in the back row, while Maro Itoje skippers the side for the first time having been installed as captain ahead of this campaign.
A punchy six forwards to two backs bench includes number eight Tom Willis, who is in line to earn a second cap on the back of impressive club form for Saracens.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 George Martin; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Curry, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Marcus Smith; 11 Cadan Murley, 12 Henry Slade, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Freddie Steward.
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Tom Willis; 22 Harry Randall, 23 Fin Smith.
Your England team to face Ireland 👊
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) January 28, 2025
Steve Borthwick has named his 23-player squad for our #GuinnessM6N opener on Saturday.@O2 | #WearTheRose | #IREvENG
Team news - Ireland
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleSam Prendergast gets the nod ahead of Jack Crowley at fly half for Ireland, with the Leinster youngster set to make his first Six Nations appearance. He joins a familiar backline within which James Lowe is deemed to fit to feature having made a return in club colours last weekend. There is no Joe McCarthy, though, with the lock nursing an injury - James Ryan therefore partners Tadhg Beirne with Ryan Baird on the blindside.
With no Tadhg Furlong, it is Finlay Bealham at tighthead, while Dan Sheehan’s availability after recovering from a serious knee injury is a boost to the bench.
Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Ryan Baird, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Jack Conan; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Robbie Henshaw.
Our team to face England in Saturday's Guinness Men's Six Nations opener! 👊#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 30, 2025
Sam Prendergast handed keys to kingdom as Ireland reveal side to face England in Six Nations
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland fly half Sam Prendergast has been handed his first Six Nations start after beating Jack Crowley to the number 10 jersey against England.
Leinster youngster Prendergast will open Ireland’s title defence as chief playmaker after impressing in his debut international campaign in November.
The 21-year-old, tipped as a long-term successor to Johnny Sexton, displaces Crowley despite the Munsterman’s key role in steering Ireland to the title last year.
The selection is a bold first call from interim coach Simon Easterby, who oversees the squad for this tournament with Andy Farrell on sabbatical while preparing to take charge of the British and Irish Lions.
Sam Prendergast handed keys to kingdom as Ireland reveal side to face England
Besieged Bill Sweeney battles on – but the RFU is no longer remotely fit for purpose
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThese have been turbulent times at the Rugby Football Union (RFU), with English rugby in the grips of a revolt. Chief executive Bill Sweeney is battling on - but perhaps not for much longer.
Besieged Bill Sweeney battles on – but the RFU is no longer remotely fit for purpose
Ireland captain Caelan Doris ready for ‘ultimate test’ against England
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleCaptain Caelan Doris is braced for the “ultimate test” when Ireland begin their quest for an unprecedented third successive Guinness Six Nations title against rivals England.
The back-to-back champions are pre-tournament favourites and have won four of the past five meetings between the sides ahead of this evening’s crunch clash in Dublin.
Underdogs England – World Cup semi-finalists in 2023 – lost seven of 12 Tests in 2024 and are bidding to ease pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick by springing a surprise following an unsuccessful autumn.
Ireland captain Caelan Doris ready for ‘ultimate test’ against England
Six new faces to watch in the 2025 Six Nations
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleHope springs eternal as the Six Nations sides renew hostilities in rugby’s grandest old championship.
Another competitive edition of the tournament looks likely in 2025 with questions for each and every one of the competing sextet, and with the fixtures given an extra edge in a British and Irish Lions year.
A fresh crop of new faces just taking their first steps on the international stage will be out to make their mark over the next few weeks, with places on the plane to Australia perhaps up for grabs for those eligible.
There will be plenty of excitement around France and Italy, too, as the pair continue to unearth new talent.
The Independent has picked out one new(ish) face from each nation who could be set for a breakthrough tournament:
Six Nations stands as a rare shining light amid rugby's turmoil
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe should not forget, either, just how good this competition really is. Last night’s opening fixture may have been one sided but the Six Nations is in a purple patch, with another thrilling edition surely in store:
Six Nations stands as a rare shining light amid rugby's turmoil
Six Nations should remain on free-to-air TV, says England captain Maro Itoje
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleMaro Itoje leads England into what could be the final Six Nations shown on terrestrial television with a call to organisers to prioritise the game’s reach when considering the next broadcast deal.
The BBC and ITV have shared the TV rights since 2016, but their contract ends after the current tournament and TNT Sports has confirmed it is considering bidding for 2026 onwards.
For the first time the game’s biggest draw outside the World Cup faces the prospect of going behind a paywall, but Itoje insists it must remain free-to-air.
“The Six Nations should be viewed by as many people as possible,” said the England captain ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Dublin.
“I grew up watching the Six Nations on the BBC and on ITV. The fact that it’s been on free-to-air…I think rugby needs more eyes on it, not less.
“Obviously I’m not involved in the finances of the deals, but even though international rugby is massive, the sport should be looking at ways to be more accessible to more people, as opposed to the opposite.”
Six Nations should remain on free-to-air TV, says England captain Maro Itoje
Why the BBC and ITV might be about to drop the ball for coverage of Six Nations
14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe rights issue is complex, but it is understood the tender process is yet to open. Here is an in-depth look at how we got here and what the future might hold:
Why the BBC and ITV might be about to drop the ball for coverage of Six Nations
Liberal Democrats launch campaign to keep Six Nations on free-to-air television
13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to save the free-to-air future of the Six Nations amid uncertainty over the competition’s terrestrial future.
The BBC and ITV are in the final year of their joint deal to show the tournament in the United Kingdom, with the tender process set to open in the next couple of months.
TNT Sports confirmed this week that they were exploring the possibility of a bid, with speculation suggesting that the BBC may already be out of the running.
While discussions are understood to still be at a preliminary phase, neither the men’s or women’s tournaments are currently protected by “Category A” status that would safeguard live coverage on terrestrial television.
And the Liberal Democrats in Parliament have tabled a motion calling for both the men’s and women’s competitions to be added to the so-called “crown jewels” list.
Liberal Democrats launch campaign to keep Six Nations on free-to-air television
Yesterday's action...
13:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe first night of Six Nations action brought a real statement of intent as France dealt Wales their first nilling since 2007, with the remarkable Antoine Dupont the star of the show on his return to the competition.
Peerless Antoine Dupont leads fabulous France to victory as Wales hit a new low
The challenges standing between Ireland and Six Nations history
13:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland, meanwhile, are chasing a third successive title - but a few huge challenges stand between them and an unprecedented feat, as Michael Cooke explains:
The challenges standing between Ireland and Six Nations history
It’s time for Steve Borthwick to deliver and this England decision will decide Six Nations fate
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleHow much progress have England made under Steve Borthwick? They would claim plenty, but two years after the head coach’s arrival, their record is just 14 wins from 28 games. It’s time for this side to deliver...
The key Steve Borthwick decision that will decide England's Six Nations fate
Ireland vs England LIVE
Thursday 30 January 2025 16:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe opening Six Nations weekend reaches a conclusion with perhaps the fixture of the round, Ireland out for revenge (and a first step towards history) against their 2024 conquerors England. The defending champions welcome Steve Borthwick’s side to Dublin this afternoon for a crunch clash, even at this early stage.
Kick off at the Aviva Stadium is at 4.45pm GMT.
