England v Ireland

The history between England and Ireland in the Six Nations Championship is rich, competitive, and filled with memorable moments. Here’s a look at the key aspects of this historic rivalry:

Overall Rivalry in Six Nations

• First Meeting: The England vs Ireland rivalry in the Six Nations dates back to 1883, when Ireland first participated in the Home Nations (which later became the Six Nations).

• All-Time Record: England has had a historically strong record against Ireland in the Six Nations, but Ireland has increasingly made their mark, particularly in recent years. As of the latest tournaments, England holds a slight advantage in the head-to-head, but Ireland has been consistently competitive.

• Recent Results: Over the past couple of decades, the rivalry has been particularly intense. Ireland has claimed several notable victories, including Grand Slam wins (notably in 2018) and Six Nations championships (including 2018, 2015, and 2023). England’s victories have often come with dominant displays, but Ireland’s tactical approach has made them a formidable opponent.

Key Memorable Matches

1. England vs Ireland 2015 – The “Grand Slam Denial”:

   • Result: England won 55-35.

   • This was a dramatic encounter where England effectively denied Ireland the chance to claim a Grand Slam at the Twickenham in the final round of the Six Nations 2015. The game was high-scoring and tense, with Ireland’s hopes of a Grand Slam dashed by England’s ruthless attacking play.

2. Ireland vs England 2018 – Ireland’s Grand Slam Victory:

   • Result: Ireland won 24-15 in Dublin.

   • This match was pivotal as it saw Ireland clinch the Grand Slam (winning all their Six Nations matches) for the first time in 61 years. The victory marked a new era for Irish rugby under coach Joe Schmidt. Ireland’s strong tactical approach, physical play, and control of possession led them to an emotional victory over England.

3. England vs Ireland 2023 – England’s Victory in the Final Round:

   • Result: England won 29-16.

   • England defeated Ireland in the final round of the Six Nations 2023 at Twickenham, which proved significant as it was part of England’s effort to push for a top position in the Championship, though Ireland had already clinched the title.

4. Ireland vs England 2021 – A Heartbreaking Defeat for England:

   • Result: Ireland won 32-18 in Dublin.

   • In this Six Nations match, Ireland dominated in a commanding performance that saw them overwhelm England with both forward power and precision in the backs. This match was tough for England as their performance was below par and Ireland executed their game plan expertly.

Six Nations Championship Titles Between the Two:

• England: 29 Six Nations titles, including 3 Grand Slams (1995, 1998, and 2003).

• Ireland: 15 Six Nations titles, including 3 Grand Slams (1948, 2009, and 2018).

Key Players in the Rivalry:

• England:

  • Jonny Wilkinson: Famous for his match-winning drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Wilkinson has also been a major figure in the Six Nations battles against Ireland.

  • Martin Johnson: The iconic lock and former England captain, Johnson played key roles in numerous Six Nations encounters with Ireland.

  • Owen Farrell: The current England captain, Farrell has been at the heart of England’s tactical approach in recent years.

• Ireland:

  • Ronan O’Gara: A key player in Ireland’s successes, especially with his sharp kicking game and leadership.

  • Brian O’Driscoll: One of the greatest centres in rugby history, O’Driscoll was pivotal in Ireland’s successes in the Six Nations and especially in their 2009 Grand Slam.

  • Johnny Sexton: A stalwart of Irish rugby, Sexton has been the guiding force behind Ireland’s attack for many years, including their Grand Slam campaigns.

The Stakes:

• Matches between England and Ireland are often crucial for determining the Six Nations Championship. Both teams usually enter the competition as title contenders, and their encounters often have significant consequences for the final standings.

• “The Triple Crown” is a special achievement for any Home Nation (England, Wales, Scotland, or Ireland) where they win all their games against other Home Nations. Matches between England and Ireland are often key to this achievement.

Ireland’s Recent Dominance:

• Over the last decade, Ireland has become a much stronger side, often regarded as one of the best teams in the world, particularly under the coaching of Joe Schmidt (who retired after the 2019 World Cup) and now Andy Farrell. Their tactical discipline, structured defense, and dominant forwards have made them one of England’s toughest rivals.

• Ireland’s victory in the 2018 Grand Slam and their consistent high performances, including notable victories against New Zealand and England, have furthered their standing.

Emotional Rivalry:

• The England-Ireland rivalry is also one of passion. With a deep historical connection, and both nations sharing cultural and sporting ties, this match always carries an extra emotional layer. Ireland often sees victories over England as a matter of national pride, especially when they are seen as underdogs. For England, defeating Ireland is seen as a necessary part of competing for the Six Nations title.

In summary, the England vs Ireland match in the Six Nations is always one of the most eagerly anticipated games in the rugby calendar, often providing some of the most intense and dramatic rugby seen throughout the Championship.