Ireland has gotten off to a five-point start to its bid for an unprecedented third straight outright Six Nations rugby title by overpowering England in a second-half recovery to rack up a 27-22 victory in Dublin.

England lead after 40 minutes in Dublin. Back on the pitch and back in the points. Marcus Smith kicks England five clear and that will be that. England's fleet-footed back-row gamble is paying off so far with Ben Earl, Tom and Ben Curry stirring up Ireland's usual intricate patterns, getting into eyelines and ribcages at pace.

Ireland legend Tommy Bowe has accused England’s players of being “unfit” after their 27-22 Six Nations defeat in Dublin. Steve Borthwick’s side led 10-5 at half-time before conceding 22 unanswered points in the second 40,