England have begun the inquest into their biggest defeat at Twickenham in the stadium’s 116-year history after France dazzled their way to a 53-10 victory.
Ireland in Dublin is the final assignment of the Six Nations for Steve Borthwick’s men before preparation for the autumn’s World Cup ramps up and here the PA news agency looks at the fallout from Saturday’s debacle.
What went wrong?
What can be done?
Who could be dropped?
Do England have a chance in Dublin?
Ireland are starting to find their groove this second half and it’s James Lowe who makes the most of it!#SCOvIRE | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/U5AjZy0OnY
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 12, 2023
It is hard to envisage any scenario whereby Ireland – installed as 1/8 favourites by bookmakers – fail to claim their first Grand Slam since 2018. Andy Farrell has guided the Irish to the summit of the global rankings and even allowing for the number of injuries sustained in Sunday’s win over Scotland at Murrayfield, they have the firepower to see off one of the weakest England teams in Six Nations history. Accurate, relentless, skilful – Ireland take some stopping as even France discovered to their cost in round two.
