Ireland 27-22 England: Hosts safe dominant bonus-point win to kick-start their Six Nations title defence – as Steve Borthwick’s males endure second-half collapse to lose a sixth Test out of seven

Ireland 27-22 England: A poor second-half performance ultimately proved costly for Steve Borthwick‘s side as they were defeated in their Six Nations opener in Dublin.

England started brightly at the Aviva Stadium, as Cadan Murley scored a debut try following a massive carry by Ollie Lawrence.

The hosts looked to mount an instant response and Ronan Kelleher was over the line on 16 minutes before the try was ruled out after Tadhg Bernie had been spotted holding Maro Itoje.

England’s lead was weakened on the brink of half-time when Jamison Gibson-Park added a try before the conversion went wide.

Marcus Smith added a penalty to increase the lead.

The second-half couldn’t have been any different however, as Ireland repeatedly exploited England’s torrid defending to secure a comprehensive win.

More to follow 

Ireland got their Six Nations campaign off to a winning start with a defeat of England

The hosts pressed their advantage in the second half and capitalised on defensive mistakes

Steve Borthwick’s struggling side have now suffered six of their last seven Tests

England drew first blood at the Aviva Stadium courtesy of a debut try from Cadan Murley