Summary

  • Marcus Smith drop-goal with last kick of game seals thrilling England win at raucous Twickenham

  • James Lowe's second try put Ireland on verge of Six Nations title before Smith's dramatic kick

  • Ireland's hopes of Grand Slam over but can win title v Scotland next week

  • England could pinch the title in France in final round

  • George Furbank and Ben Earl scored tries in second half

  • Four Jack Crowley penalties gave Ireland 12-8 half-time lead

  1. Postpublished at 17:47 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    HT: England 8-12 Ireland

    An angry Andy Farrell was having some words with Steve Borthwick at half-time.

    I wonder what that was about...

  2. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 17:45 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    #bbcrugby, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)

    There's only going to be one winner in this match - England. We've been far superior in every facet of the game except for kicking penalties. George Ford is costing us massively. Bring on Marcus.

    Gareth

  3. Postpublished at 17:43 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    HT: England 8-12 Ireland

    Mantej Mann
    BBC Sport at Twickenham

    The rugby has not disappointed, but now it's the turn of Rag'n'Bone man to keep the crowd entertained in the centre of the field.

    I must say, many of those who would usually dash for the nearest watering hole have stayed in their seats to enjoy the vocals and the accompanying light show.

    Will England keep the party rolling on in the second half?

    Rag'n'Bone Man giving a half time performanceImage source, Getty
  4. 'Huge half-time for both coaches'published at 17:42 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    HT: England 8-12 Ireland

    Matt Dawson
    2003 World Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 Live

    When you are playing that blitz defence part of the genius is when to do it. If you get out too quick sometimes it pays dividends to back off a little bit.

    Huge half-time for both coaches, the most difficult thing to do at half-time is say 'keep doing more of the same' as it just doesn't happen.

    I didn't want that half to end for England. They had momentum and it was making sense to them.

  5. Historic win for Italy in Romepublished at 17:39 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    FT: Italy 31-29 Scotland

    Miss that game Matt is on about?

    Media caption,

    Six Nations 2024: Scotland title hopes dashed after Italy hold on for historic win

  6. 'You can't take your eyes off this'published at 17:37 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    HT: England 8-12 Ireland

    Matt Gault
    BBC Sport NI at Twickenham

    Earlier, the press pack were glued to the television screens in the Twickenham media working room as Italy beat Scotland.

    I wondered whether or not this game would be quite as transfixing.

    I've gotten my answer. You can't take your eyes off this.

  7. 'Perfect call'published at 17:34 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    HT: England 8-12 Ireland

    Matt Dawson
    2003 World Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Perfect call from the officials.

    As George Furbank landed his back foot just clipped the whitewash.

  8. Half-timepublished at 17:33 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    England 8-12 Ireland

    As it stands... Ireland will win the Six Nations!

    James Lowe celebratingImage source, Getty Images
  9. Penalty - England 8-12 Irelandpublished at 40 mins

    Jack Crowley

    Bang in front and easy for Jack Crowley.

    Jack Crowley kicking a penaltyImage source, Getty Images
  10. Postpublished at 39 mins

    England 8-9 Ireland

    Test rugby is about fine margins. Ireland win a penalty which all came from that George Furbank mistake.

  11. Postpublished at 38 mins

    England 8-9 Ireland

    James Lowe unleashes a monstrous kick down to the England 22. George Furbank catches it, but his toe touches the whitewash.

    Big chance now for Ireland...

    James Lowe kicking the ballImage source, Getty Images
  12. Postpublished at 36 mins

    England 8-9 Ireland

    Another expert read from Robbie Henshaw in the midfield and England drop the ball.

    Despite England playing their best rugby, they are a point behind Ireland, who are yet to fully fire.

  13. Fearsome Akipublished at 17:26 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    England 8-9 Ireland

    Mantej Mann
    BBC Sport at Twickenham

    Bundee Aki has been Ireland's best player so far.

    He carries with such ferocity as George Ford found out earlier, and has just won his side a penalty at the breakdown.

    Fearsome.

  14. Postpublished at 17:26 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    England 8-9 Ireland

    Matt Gault
    BBC Sport NI at Twickenham

    Bundee Aki has been a titanic figure in green of late and he's popped up there to shift momentum back in Ireland's favour.

    Not a bad kick by Jack Crowley either...

  15. Penalty - England 8-9 Irelandpublished at 35 mins

    Jack Crowley

    The toughest one yet for Jack Crowley and he nails it from distance. It just edges over the bar.

    Crowley kicking a penaltyImage source, Getty Images
  16. 'It is a simple game plan'published at 17:25 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    England 8-6 Ireland

    Gordon D'Arcy
    Former Ireland international on ITV

    This is really testing Ireland and we are seeing the natural characters of England coming out.

    It is a simple game plan.

  17. Some statspublished at 17:24 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    England 8-6 Ireland

    England have had 67% of the territory and 58% of the possession so far.

    They've made 212m to Ireland's 100m.

    Ireland have won three turnovers.

  18. 'Ford will be disappointed'published at 17:23 Greenwich Mean Time 9 March

    England 8-6 Ireland

    Matt Dawson
    2003 World Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 Live

    You have got to assume you are not going to get many of them [penalty kicks] George Ford will be disappointed - that is bread and butter for him.

  19. Postpublished at 32 mins

    England 8-6 Ireland

    One thing to note is that Hugo Keenan has shifted to the right wing with Ciaran Frawley dropping into full-back.

    That is the danger of a 6-2 spilt, but Keenan is very able on the wing.

  20. Missed penalty - Englandpublished at 30 mins

    England 8-6 Ireland

    George Ford drags it wide. A poor miss for a man of his ability.

    Ford kicking penaltyImage source, Getty Images