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Ireland beat England to clinch Six Nations grand slam

By AAP Newswire

Mar 19, 2023

Rob Herring scores for Ireland — Ireland players celebrate Rob Herring's try during their grand-slam winning triumph over England. -AP

Ireland have completed their fourth-ever Six Nations grand slam with a 29-16 victory over England at the Aviva Stadium, emphatically underlining their status as the world's No.1 team heading into September's World Cup.

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Andy Farrell's side were worthy of their clean sweep on Saturday, having won all of their games by 13 points or more and ending 2022 winners France's 14-game unbeaten run along the way in one of the best championship games in recent memory.

Two tries from Dan Sheehan and one each from Robbie Henshaw and Rob Herring ensured Ireland finished ahead of France in second place and Scotland in third, while a third defeat for England left them in fourth place.

Best of all for home fans in the middle of St Patrick's Day weekend celebrations, it was the first time Ireland had sealed the grand slam in Dublin, following Twickenham (2018), Cardiff (2009) and Belfast (1948).

Talismanic captain Johnny Sexton was given the perfect send-off in his final Six Nations match as he also became the tournament's all-time top points scorer.

Earlier, France had ended their campaign with an emphatic 41-28 bonus-point victory over Wales at the Stade de France which sealed their second place in the table on 20 points, behind Ireland's 27.

In the day's first game, Scotland beat Italy 26-14 to seal third place on 15 points ahead of England's 10 in fourth place.

Wales on six points were fifth, while Italy again propped up the table with just one point from their five matches.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press