England 16 - 20 Ireland
Match Review by RobMaza

Missed tackles and lack of cutting edge could both be blamed for the disappointing loss against Ireland, but one fact sticks out above all others - 60% possession.

A number like this would sugggest England had dominated up front, maybe just maybe we did, or maybe we played right into the hands of the Irish. Going to Twickenham is never easy, whether in good or poor form, and you wouldnt be wrong in thinking increasing pressure on the coaches, management and players coming from the public and media may spur us on to put it a good performance or maybe even a win. This was not the case.

Big games are often decided by small margins, and so it was here. In contrast to the visitors solid defence, England conceded the key score of the match off first phase possession, a simple lineout take by O'Connell ,Tomas O'Leary popping the ball up and Tommy Bowe crashing past the ever disappointing Jonny Wilkinson and anonymous James Haskell to go under the posts and steal the win away.

After kicking too much against Italy two weeks ago in perfect running conditions, this was the opposite against Ireland in good kicking conditions, tactics were clearly an issue as pass after pass came to nothing. England - 140 passes, 1 dubious try. Ireland - 58 passes, 3 tries. Another limp attacking display by the English backs, who at points did threaten, but once again a lack of awareness, this time from from Mark Cueto who chose to kick rather than pass outside to Matt tait for a certain try. Wilkinson just like in the Wales game, stood flat to start with, then went into his shell and gave no chance to Flutey or Tait to show their class.

Against Scotland in a couple of weeks we can expect a similar game, hopefully being given a lesson against the grandslammers can push this group of individuals to form a team. Whether or not Johnson gives Flood his chance, or Ashton who just cant stop scoring instead of Monye was anonymous again. In the pack Lawes, Mullan and Armitage must be given a chance. Out in the backs, the Flutey/Tait combination simply isnt working, maybe Jon Clarke can fill in to finally have someone to get us over the gainline.

Nevertheless I will still go into the Scotland game positive, and so should all England supporters, the Championship is still on the cards, France were typical unpredictable France against Wales, and Scotland have lost their best attacking threat aswell as goal kicker to injury. All we can do is to keep positive, support our team, and make the most of the six nations while its on.

England: D Armitage, Cueto, Tait, Flutey, Monye, Wilkinson, Care, Payne, Hartley, Cole, Shaw, borthwick, Haskell, Moody, Easter.

Replacements: Foden for D Armitage (49), P Hodgson for Care (73), Mears for Hartley (64), Wilson for Cole (73), Deacon for Shaw (4), Worsley for Moody (55).

Not Used: Flood.

Ireland: G Murphy; Bowe, B O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, Earls; Sexton, O'Leary; Healy, R Best, Hayes, O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Ferris, D Wallace, Heaslip.

Replacements: Trimble for B O'Driscoll (64), O'Gara for Sexton (69), Buckley for Hayes (63), Cullen for O'Callaghan (69), Jennings for D. Wallace (70).

Not Used: Cronin, Reddan.

Att: 81,554

Ref: Mark Lawrence (South Africa).