Bowe: Ireland's reputation restored

Tommy Bowe is satisfied Ireland have restored their reputation after a tense 20-16 victory over England thrust them back into the RBS 6 Nations title race.

The Grand Slam champions arrived at Twickenham needing an emphatic response to a demoralising rout in Paris that prompted uncomfortable questions about their limitations.

They delivered against a wounded side also hoping to claw back some self-respect, beating England 3-1 on the try count and displaying remarkable character to dig out victory through Bowe's 76th minute try before surviving a ferocious late onslaught.

The most remarkable statistic was 99 tackles made, one missed - England completed 30 and missed seven - to underline their character on a day when temperament was as important as ability.

Bowe, who crossed in each half, was left beaming as Ireland ensured they remain snapping at France's heals with their sixth victory against England in seven matches dating back to 2004.

‘We were disappointed with what happened against France but we didn't read too much into it.

'We got back onto the horse again,’ said Bowe.

‘Every team slips up every now and again. If we'd lost against England the doubters would have been out once more.

‘But within the squad we know the talent we have and what we can do.

‘There was a lot written about the France game but we stuck together and pulled out the victory.

‘This was a brilliant win - it puts us back into contention.

‘The championship is out of our hands to an extent with France unbeaten but there's still a lot to play for.’

Ireland need France to slip up in one of their remaining two games against Italy and England if they are to have a chance of retaining their crown.

For the moment, however, they will content themselves with a rousing victory containing three wonderfully worked tries.

Bowe started the scoring in the fourth minute after winning the sprint to Jonathan Sexton's perfectly-weighted chip ahead.

On the opposite wing, Keith Earls ran in the second with the impressive Sexton supplying the scoring pass after David Wallace had smashed over the gain-line.

Jonny Wilkinson landed a drop goal to nudge England 16-13 ahead with eight minutes remaining but Ireland had saved the best until last.

Using a move straight off the training ground, Paul O'Connell won a line-out with scrum-half Tomas O'Leary sending a flat pass to the onrushing Bowe who cantered over.

The nailbiting finish to an attritional yet gripping match continued when England launched wave after wave of do-or-die attacks, only to be halted by Ireland's near-immaculate defence.

‘We got off to a good start but our indiscipline let England back into it,’ said Bowe.

‘We paid for that when we were three points down with seven minutes to go.

‘It was looking a bit dodgy, but like Wales last year we showed a never-say-die attitude. To come back like that is extra special.

‘Heading into the final five minutes the pressure was really on.

‘It would have been easy to retreat into our shells so to come back with that try and close out with our defence when they didn't look like scoring was superb.

‘It was great to get over for that second try. We called the same move earlier in the game but it went wrong. We called it again and it came off.

‘We weren't trying to score off first phase, we just wanted to get on the front foot. Luckily the hole opened up.

‘The fact we won was special, but the fact I scored twice makes it that little bit more special for me.’

Wales, smarting from another kamikaze defeat by France on Friday, visit Croke Park on 13 March before Ireland close their Six Nations against Scotland at the same venue a week later.

‘We're still in a good position with two home games coming up,’ said Bowe

‘Wales are under a bit of pressure - they almost pulled off another comeback against France - and it should be a good game after the dramatic match we had last year.’