From ADAM HATHAWAY at Twickenham
Jamie George last night admitted that derailing Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes was one of the greatest days of his career after their Twickenham upset.
Marcus Smith’s 81st minute drop goal sent the ground into meltdown as England celebrated a first win over the Irish since 2020. And their third win of the Six Nations, after victories over Italy and Wales, guarantees England their best tournament for four years.
Captain George claimed England ignored all the criticism that came their way after the 30-21 Calcutta Cup defeat two weeks ago and they are ready to make it four wins next week against France in Lyon.
He said: “I am so proud. It is probably one of the most emotional and proud days of my career. There were doubters after that Scotland performance – and probably rightly so – but, at the same time, internally we didn’t listen to the noise outside. For us to go out there and do that to a team like Ireland who, for me, are the best team in the world at the minute, is a really special day. We spoke a lot about making Twickenham a tough place to come and play and we did that today.
“I think it can really bring the team together. We’ve had a huge amount of belief in what we’re doing and how we’re trying to play the game but I think that gives us even more confidence to go out and do that. We know how tough it’s going to be in France but we’re going to celebrate tonight and then all focus will go to France.”
Smith was delighted to see his drop goal go over.
“I have been practising my drop-kicks,” he said. “We had the advantage so I thought ‘let’s go for it’. We got an advantage in the wide channels after Manny [Feyi-Waboso] did a destructive run, like he did all game, and got us to within 10 metres. Then the forwards went in and exhausted them. We had another penalty advantage right in front and I have been practising my drop goals, learning from George [Ford] and Kev [Sinfield], and I thought: Why not?”
England coach Steve Borthwick brushed off a half-time bust-up with opposite number Andy Farrell. Farrell was seen by TV cameras pointing at Borthwick as the pair went down the tunnel and appeared to exchange words.
Borthwick said: “It is all absolutely fine. Andy and I have known each other for a long time, we played alongside each other for England and both represented England at the 2007 World Cup so we go back a long way. What he has done with that Ireland team is incredible.”
Farrell laughed off the row saying: “It was just ‘how are you doing Steve? Nice to see you. I haven’t spoken to you for a long time’.”
Man of the match Ben Earl hit back at critics after his turbo-charged display got England over the line. He said: “It is unbelievable really, I am a bit emotional because Jamie George lost his mum recently and we have spoken a lot about that. Then it was Danny’s 100th, some of the rubbish that has been thrown at this team in the past week, apparently we are ‘the worst England team ever’ – we have done well for that accolade.
“Everything came together today, we are very fortunate. We’ve been training like that every day, sometimes it doesn’t translate onto the pitch, people don’t see half the stuff we do.”
Coach Farrell added: “We have been very good at winning and now we have got to make sure we are good at losing and go and have a beer with them. We have got to dust ourselves down because we have got a championship to win next weekend.”
