Guernsey Press

5 things we learned from England’s win over Ireland

Jonny May and Maro Itoje starred as Eddie Jones’ side won 18-7 in the Autumn Nations Cup.

Published
Last updated

England are odds on to win the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup after dismantling Ireland 18-7.

Here the PA news agency examines five things we learned from a one-sided clash at Twickenham.

Battle of the finishers

Jonny May scores one of the greatest tries seen at Twickenham
Jonny May scores one of the greatest tries seen at Twickenham (Adam Davy/PA)

The white wall

England turned defence into a offensive weapon through the sustained ferocity of their tackling. The statistics are remarkable – they made 238 hits to Ireland’s 72, with seven of them categorised as dominant. Irish runners made few dents on the line strung out before them and despite controlling territory and possession, they never looked remotely capable of winning. England have raised this element of their game to a new level.

Advantage Maro

Leading that staggering defensive effort was Maro Itoje, who made 24 tackles alone to edge May for the man-of-the-match award. The Saracens second row is always in the eye of the storm, his strength and high work rate marking him out as a player of towering influence. Once his leading rival for next year’s Lions series, James Ryan was mastered at Twickenham and the next assignment is Wales’ Alun Wyn Jones. Week by week Itoje mounts a compelling case to travel to South Africa as captain.

England building for Lions and World Cup

Lions coach Warren Gatland will draw heavily from England's squad next year
Lions coach Warren Gatland will draw heavily from England’s squad next year (David Davies/PA)

Uncertain times

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.