ENGLAND suffered a shocking second-half collapse against Ireland as their Six Nations opener fell apart in a 27-22 defeat.
The Red Roses dominated the first 40 minutes before the Boys in Green showed them what’s what in the next.
England got off to a blistering start with an early try[/caption]
Cadan Murley made crucial mistakes after his debut try[/caption]
Maro Itoje made good on his promise to lead by example[/caption]
Ireland scored three tries in a rampant second-half display as they launched their bid for a third successive Six Nations title.
While two late tries from Tom Curry, who made history after starting alongside brother Ben, and Tommy Freeman offered some sort of consolation in the way of a losing bonus point.
It is, however, a sixth defeat in seven matches for under-fire coach Steve Borthwick.
Here’s how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated every England player from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Freddie Steward – 6
Secure and so solid under the high ball but made to look silly by Gibson-Park when he left the full-back on his backside for Ireland’s first points.
Tommy Freeman – 5
Few chances to really explode down the wing and among those outfoxed by Aki for Ireland’s second try.
Not sure the Northampton man is a game-breaker.
Henry Slade – 7
Superb grubber to set up Murley for the early England try and made a stream of big hits as he defended with relish and passion.
Ollie Lawrence – 7
Carried the ball with power and his tackling was as exceptional as those of Slade alongside him.
Cadan Murley – 7
Dream debut for the Harlequins winger as he scored a beauty inside the first 10 minutes.
Spent much of the remainder of the game defending for his life.
Marcus Smith – 7
Showed imagination and great footwork from the outset to give England hope and inspiration.
Alex Mitchell – 5
Returning scrum half brought calmness but the missed tackle on Lowe, just as Smith was getting ready to return, was critical.
Ellis Genge – 6
Old fashioned grunt and grind in the front row rarely gets the plaudits but it meant England were never going backwards at the set-piece.
Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6
Missed his first line out but other than that got the radar working, a vital factor with England a jumper short because of the back row mix.
Will Stuart – 6
Another whose best work goes unrecognised by most but he showed the same application as his team-mates.
Maro Itoje – 8
The new captain promised he would lead by example. He did not disappoint in an all-action demonstration of his prowess.
George Martin – 7
Worked well in tandem with his captain to ensure England were able to compete and at times silence the home crowd.
Tom Curry – 7
Like his twin, the Sale flanker seemed to be popping up everywhere within a remorseless determination.
Got himself a consolation try at the death – to the delight of his proud parents watching on from the crowd.
Ben Curry – 7
Ireland really must have wondered how many Currys were on the pitch as he gave total commitment to the cause.
Ben Earl – 6
The Saracens man might not be a traditional No 8 but his willingness to bust his guts from first to last minute is a sign of his mentality and quality.
Replacements:
Dan (for Cowan Dickie) – 6
Did his job in a difficult cause
Willis (for Earl) – 6
Came on just as the tide really started to turn against England. Could not stem it. 6
Cunningham-South (for Ben Curry) – 6
Sent on to give England more bulk and energy in the last quarter 6
Chessum (for Martin) – 6
Back after injury and giving England extra line-out capacity in the final stages.
Fin Smith (for Steward) – 6
All or nothing move with namesake Marcus moving to full-back but the die was cast 6
Randall (for Mitchell) – 6
Another who came on when the game was gone 6
Baxter (for Genge) – 5
Run out in the last 10 as England were left increasingly ragged 5
Heyes (for Stuart) – 5
Also a late introduction as the Red Rose wilted 5
