Ireland thwart England grand slam dreams

Ireland have ended England's grand slam hopes with a thrilling 20-14 win in the final Six Nations game of the season. The game was played at a frenetic tempo right through to its nail-biting climax, as Ireland made things difficult for a rusty England side. Keith Wood scored Ireland's only try of the game in the 17th minute, surging forward through the English defence after taking up the ball from the throw-in.

Coach Warren Gatland had spoken before the match of the need to make all chances count, and it looked ominous for Ireland at half-time after the otherwise impressive David Humphries missed several penalties. Ireland had dominated the half with some great possession but this dominance was not reflected on the scoreboard. Jonny Wilkinson was kicking with his usual deadly accuracy and England were still within striking distance at 14-9.

England started the second half in determined mood, but Ireland defended strongly and green shirts began to swarm forward again. Humphries kicked another penalty to give Ireland a more convincing lead but Wilkinson quickly replied for England.

In the 56th minute, Peter Stringer secured his place among Ireland's many heroes today with a last-ditch ankle tap on Dan Luger who was rampaging towards a seemingly certain try which would have levelled the scores.

Ominously for Ireland, Humphries picked up an injury during a good spell of play. The Dungannon man was unable to take the resulting penalty kick and limped off to be replaced by Ronan O'Gara, who had not even warmed up properly. In a real pressure kick, the Cork Constitution star stepped up and calmly slotted the ball between the posts. Ireland were not out of sight but definitely looking more comfortable. Thirteen minutes later, he scored again to open up an eleven points lead.

By this stage, England desperately needed a try. Relentlessly driving forward, Ireland were pinned back deep inside their own half. The pressure was rewarded with an Austin Healey try in the 75th minute, as the Leicester man ran into the corner to touchdown. Wilkinson missed the conversion, but England were still a tantalising converted try away from victory. This set up an extremely nervy finale, but Ireland managed to hang on to clinch a deserved victory.

Filed by Greg McKevitt