Marcus Smith’s last-gasp drop goal plundered England a 23-22 win over Ireland, thwarting the visitors’ bid for Six Nations history.
Ireland had been heavy favourites to win at Twickenham and go on to claim unprecedented back-to-back Grand Slams.
Instead, England vindicated boss Steve Borthwick’s revamped game plan, claiming three wins in the tournament for the first time since 2020.
Here, Standard Sport’s rugby correspondent Nick Purewal rates the England performances at Twickenham.
Backs
George Furbank 6
Took his try well, which offset a string of mistakes. Despite the errors he still adds a big amount in attack.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 8
A relentless thirst for work saw the young Exeter man on the ball frequently. A hugely promising full debut from the 21-year-old.
Henry Slade 5
One poor misread in defence led directly to an Ireland try, and the Exeter centre continues to struggle to transfer his club form to the Test stage.
Ollie Lawrence 8
Back to his bulldozing best to keep Bundee Aki quiet and also plough big inroads into the Ireland backline.
Tommy Freeman 7
A very solid outing from a man growing in confidence in the England shirt.
George Ford 6
Almost looks aware this is his big chance to take control of the No10 shirt. Has not been at his best in the last few weeks but still boasts huge quality.
Alex Mitchell 7
Kept it tight enough at the right times and also tried to push the pace. A vital cog in England’s new era.
Forwards
Ellis Genge 7
Bullish in both tight and loose and drove England to a gritty victory.
Jamie George 7
Led from the front and instilled the right amount of confidence and focus on this developing team.
Dan Cole 8
Locked out England’s scrum and put himself about elsewhere too.
Maro Itoje 8
Once again showed why he can mix it with the very best in the toughest of contests.
George Martin 7
A vital physical presence in England’s much-improved showing.
Ollie Chessum 7
Adapted well to moving to blindside flanker and drove England to new heights in the tight exchanges.
Sam Underhill 8
Scavenged on the ground to slow Ireland’s ruck ball all night long.
Ben Earl 9
Yet another barnstorming performance from perhaps England’s most important player, certainly in terms of gaining front-foot ball.
Replacements
Theo Dan (for George, 53): 7
Buzzed about and kept himself busy in order to propel England home.
Joe Marler (for Genge, 53): 7
Made sure England sustained their set-piece dominance as the hosts found a way across the line.
Will Stuart (for Cole, 53): 7
A much-improved showing from the Bath man, and a crucial cameo.
Chandler Cunningham-South (for Underhill, 60): 7
Another gritty, direct showing from an impressively physical young talent. Went off injured.
Alex Dombrandt (for Chessum, 65): 7
Back with a steady hand on the tiller to steer England to a big win.
Danny Care (for Mitchell, 65): 8
Knows exactly how to crank up the tempo and ensured his 100th cap will be one to treasure forever.
Marcus Smith (for Ford, 58): 8
Kept his nerve at the death with that drop goal, but had piloted the attack smartly before that moment too.
Elliot Daly (for Slade, 65): 7
Unlucky to drag his long-range penalty effort wide, but kept his head as the game hit boiling point.
