A Fraser Dingwall try just before half-time had put England on the scoreboard but any lift for the home side was extinguished by a Dan Sheehan try after the interval. Ireland did not have it all their own way in the opening skirmishes as England rolled through the phases and got over the gainline with almost every carry. From there, Ireland moved towards the left corner and won a penalty at a ruck after Tommy Freeman planted his hands on the deck. Crowley missed the conversion but Ireland gained in another way, England full-back Freddie Steward yellow carded for playing scrum-half Gibson-Park behind a ruck in the build-up to the try. It certainly settled any nerves that the English try had brought on as Crowley converted for a 29-7 lead on 43 minutes.

Source: Irish Examiner February 21, 2026 17:48 UTC