Andy Farrell was confident his Ireland team would keep calm and carry on - even when nerves were frayed with a Grand Slam on the line.
The hosts were clearly over-thinking the importance of the occasion from the start as a lot of the fluidity in their play that has been in evidence since last summer in New Zealand went out the window.
Instead, Ireland got sucked into playing according to England's wishes - a kicking game that didn't suit - and, when they did try to move the ball with off-loads and tip passes, Farrell's men were hesitant, disjointed and well off their best.
