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Ireland's rebirth | Awful England | McCloskey's long game | The Rugby Show

·1 hr 10 min·5 clips

How did Ireland turn England's 70% possession into a stunning 10-0 lead at Twickenham?

This episode of The Rugby Show analyzes Ireland's dominant 33-6 victory over England at Twickenham in the Six Nations. Hosts and analysts, including former players, dissect the performance and its implications for both teams. They examine how this result signals a potential rebirth for Ireland after a period of perceived stagnation. The panel notes England set an early theme with poor execution, exemplified by a disastrous fourth-minute lineout with no jumper. Ireland's Stuart McCloskey barreled through early, and Jack Crowley made a line break leading to a dropped ball by James Lowe. England had roughly 70% possession and 60% territory in the first 20 minutes but failed to score. Ireland's discipline in their own 22 was exceptional, preventing England from gaining penalty advantages during attacking phases. Ireland's restart receipt was a key weapon, with a sequence involving Dan Sheehan and Josh van der Flier leading to an English free-kick five meters from their line. Ireland's defense showed marked improvement, with smart decisions on when to counter-ruck or poach, led by Tadhg Beirne who secured crucial turnovers. A defining moment was McCloskey chasing down Marcus Smith in a scramble reminiscent of historic Irish defensive stands. Ireland's attack featured 10 offloads, a significant increase from previous rounds, with McCloskey and Crowley each making two. The aerial game was dominant, with targeted kicks avoiding Freddie Steward and focusing on George Ford and Henry Arundell. Tommy O'Brien's speed after replacing Lowe created a potentially record-fast Irish backline. England's identity crisis was evident as they kicked only 18 times compared to 42 against Wales, with Ford becoming their primary ball carrier. Ironic cheers from the Twickenham crowd, potentially from a mix of Irish and English fans, greeted English errors. Analysts suggest England's confidence was shattered after a loss to Scotland, with players like Ellis Genge looking exhausted and disinterested. The panel notes England's lineout was a disaster, and their defensive structure lacked a clear identity. Steve Borthwick's pre-tournament confidence, urging fans to book travel for a potential final, now seems misplaced. The tone is analytical and conversational, blending technical rugby insight with post-match reaction from informed pundits. The style is detailed and stats-driven, often contrasting on-field perceptions with the eventual outcome of the match. This episode is ideal for rugby fans seeking a deep tactical breakdown of a flagship Six Nations fixture and the narratives surrounding both teams. Listeners with a primary interest in English rugby seeking positive analysis might find the comprehensive critique difficult.

As heard by us

Ireland's Twickenham win reads as a sharp, adaptable performance that leaves them looking more settled than England.

The piece keeps its focus on Twickenham and does the job without overreaching: Ireland looked sharper, England looked flat, and the result is treated as a pointed answer to the doubts around them.

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Why you'd press play

You want a sharp read on Ireland's Twickenham win and what it means next.

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