England were humiliated by an Ireland side reborn, as Andy Farrell’s men cruised to a record 42-21 victory in their must-win Six Nations clash to keep their title hopes alive.
With both sides entering the day with a loss in this year’s championship to their name already, victory was imperative to maintain any designs on lifting the trophy next month and Ireland might just be dreaming of doing that after their biggest margin of victory and most points scored at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham against England.
Steve Borthwick had challenged his side to respond to a disappointing loss to Scotland last week but instead they wilted once more, falling 22-0 down as Ireland blew them away.
Maro Itoje’s 100th cap will not be one he’ll remember fondly as England struggled in defence, attack, with their kicking and at set-piece time, apart from the scrum and there will be serious questions about the direction of the team heading into the fallow week
Relive all the action from Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium with our live blog below:
England vs Ireland live
- Ireland thrash England 42-21 on a nightmarish day in the Six Nations for Steve Borthwick's men
- REPORT: Ireland’s old guard roll back the years in record Six Nations win to leave England with huge questions
- 70' - TRY! Osborne powers overs to continue delivering the pain to England (ENG 14-42 IRE)
- 43' - TRY! Sheehan burrows over from close range after Pollock sent to sin-bin (ENG 7-29 IRE)
- 27' - TRY! McCloskey breezes through a gap before Baloucoune strolls over out wide (ENG 0-15 IRE)
- 20' - TRY! England caught napping as Gibson-Park snipes over from quick-tap penalty (ENG 0-10 IRE)
- Referee Andrea Piardi forced off injured during first half, with Pierre Brousset replacing him
Steve Borthwick explains early substitutions in chastening England defeat to Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 18:04 , Luke BakerSteve Borthwick explained the thinking behind his early substitutions during England’s humiliating home Six Nations defeat to Ireland.
England were blown away by Andy Farrell’s side at Allianz Stadium, trailing 22-0 in the first half and ultimately falling to a 42-21 loss – Ireland’s biggest away win over their old enemy, as well as the most points they’ve scored at Twickenham – as huge questions over the direction of Borthwick’s team came to a head for a second week running.
To try and stem the tide, Borthwick made three substitutions in the first half, although one of those was injury-enforced as stricken scrum half Alex Mitchell was replaced by Jack van Poortvliet on 23 minutes, Jamie George came on at hooker for Luke Cowan-Dickie in the 29th minute and Marcus Smith replaced Freddie Steward at full back in the 39th minute.
Steve Borthwick explains early substitutions in chastening England defeat to Ireland
Steve Borthwick: 'We've given them too many points and not had scoreboard presence'
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:34 , Luke BakerEngland coach Steve Borthwick has been in for his press conference to try and explain that disappointing result for his side.
“It’s bitterly disappointing,” admitted Borthwick. “Credit to Ireland, the way they played. They took their chances well and their kicking game was excellent.
“My team have been very, very good for a long period of time in games that are tight, even if we’re a score or two down. For the second week in a row, we've given them too many points and not had scoreboard presence.
“Look at that first 20 minutes. Ireland scored very quickly after periods where we were on their goalline unable to score. We recognise, and have said before, that we need to be better in that area and come away with points one way or another in the 22. It led to turnovers that they scored very fast from, so the scoreboard ratcheted up quickly against us.
“Two weeks ago people were talking about us after 12 wins on the bounce. People were saying all kinds of positive things that were not at all true. Now after two losses, people are saying other things about this team that are not true either. The truth is in the middle. We’ve got plenty of work to do but we’re a team with a lot of growth.”
Andy Farrell: 'A special day for Irish rugby'
Saturday 21 February 2026 17:04 , Luke BakerIreland coach Andy Farrell has just been in for his press conference here at Allianz Stadium, and he was understandably delighted with that performance.
He claimed he didn’t care if Ireland won or lost but did concede it was a special day for Irish rugby after securing a record away win over England.
“It's a special day. One hundred per cent it is,” said Farrell. “To come here and perform like that, we're delighted with that. But even more so, I thought the respect the lads showed for one another was immense. The respect they showed for the jersey, what it meant to them and the respect for the Irish people.
“It looked like we were hunting people down throughout the game. It’s one thing having good start but how we kick chased and hunted down, all that type of stuff. It shows a proper performance – no egos, everyone going for it together.
“It is special. I didn't care if we won or lost today but wanted to grow as a group because we know where we want to get to.”
Ireland’s old guard roll back the years in record Six Nations win to leave England with huge questions
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:34 , Luke BakerThe reports of Ireland’s demise have clearly been greatly exaggerated. This was a performance reminiscent of their pomp that seemed to defy the circumstance, a record win over England at Twickenham that challenged so many of the assumptions made about both. No country for old men? There is life, and lots of it, left in this Irish band of brothers.
The verdant past of back-to-back Six Nations crowns may yet be beyond Ireland but here was a throwback showing of golden autumnal hue.
Andy Farrell had backed his tried and trusted to hit the levels they had failed to of late and got what he had demanded. Ponderous? Plodding? Leggy after the Lions? Not so here: Jamison Gibson-Park fizzed with a vitality Ireland lacked in Paris on the opening night; Tadhg Beirne made mischief and menace; Stuart McCloskey stood tall to reduce English oak to acorns.
For others, this was an international coming-of-age, wings Robert Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien among them. An assured showing from Jack Crowley should make the No 10 shirt his for the foreseeable future.
Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s full report from Allianz Stadium:
Ireland roll back the years in record win to leave England with huge questions
England captain Maro Itoje to ITV Sport: 'We have to take responsibility and make sure we're better!
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:31 , Ciara Fearn"I guess the first half we turned the ball over too much, when we did get in their half we weren't clinical. As players we have to own it. We have to take responsibility and make sure we're better.
"Ultimately we weren't accurate. We got into good positions. We didn't come away with points or score. We know it's not good enough. We'll be working harder to get it right.
"We need to look after the ball. We need to make sure our possessions are accurate. Ultimately we turned the ball over too much."
"We're such a hungry group. We believe in ourselves a lot. We've been under the pump by the media a lot.
"That performance was right up there with one of the best we've ever had. We've stuck together, we've ignored that. When we all come together special things happen. To get this win at Twickenham is special."
On head coach Andy Farrell: "He just reminds us that if we get our systems right we have a plan to beat anyone. He gives us incredible belief. You look outside the group and there isn't too much belief. But he and the coaching group have made us believe and helped us put a performance in today."
"It's mad how many Irish fans there are in here. Early kick off, they'll have a good day out."
Ireland's Dan Sheehan to ITV Sport: 'We believe in ourselves a lot'
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:22 , Ciara Fearn"We're such a hungry group. We believe in ourselves a lot. We've been under the pump by the media a lot.
"That performance was right up there with one of the best we've ever had. We've stuck together, we've ignored that. When we all come together special things happen. To get this win at Twickenham is special."
On head coach Andy Farrell: "He just reminds us that if we get our systems right we have a plan to beat anyone. He gives us incredible belief. You look outside the group and there isn't too much belief. But he and the coaching group have made us believe and helped us put a performance in today."
"It's mad how many Irish fans there are in here. Early kick off, they'll have a good day out."
Ireland players celebrate with fans
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:15 , Luke BakerThere are big swathes of Irish fans here at Allianz Stadium and the Ireland players have gone over to celebrate with them. Lovely scenes
WATCH: Ireland seal record win over England
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:14 , Luke BakerWhat a day for Ireland - their biggest winning margin over England at Twickenham and their most points scored here. Supreme
FULL-TIME! England 21-42 Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:08 , Luke BakerWow. That’s full-time and not a moment too soon for a shell-shocked England.
They were completely outclassed by Ireland today. Defensively, in attack, kicking, set-piece (bar the scrum), there were countless errors and they were punished.
Ireland were like a team reborn, a far cry from their opening two matches. Andy Farrell’s side can look forward to the fallow week full of confidence now but England suddenly face existential questions.
And with a trip to Rome up next, against an Italy side they’ve never lost to but will smell blood...
England 21-42 Ireland, 79 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:04 , Luke BakerEngland loose in possession once more to turn the ball over and the ball is kicked deep into the 22. Decent job by Ford to trek back and boot clear to halfway under some pressure
TRY! England 21-42 Ireland (Sam Underhill, 77 mins)
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:03 , Luke BakerIf you want the definition of a consolation try, here you go!
Powerful carry by Lawrence, knocking players backwards in a way he hasn’t done enough today. England get the ball within a couple of metres and Sam Underhill barrels his way across the line off a pop pass, spinning through one and backing through Baloucoune.
Ford adds the extras but, in truth, it means little.
England 14-42 Ireland, 76 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:01 , Luke BakerEngland turn the ball over in the 22 and have a chance for a third try but once again, Ireland hold firm in defence, win the ball back in their own five-metre area and kick clear.
How many chances have England burnt there today?
England 14-42 Ireland, 73 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 16:00 , Luke BakerStuart McCloskey has been incredible today, and throughout this tournament, and that is more brilliance.
Marcus Smith intercepts a Crowley pass on his own 22 and hares away down the left. He looks certain to score in the corner but the Irish centre chases him down from behind, with hitherto unseen pace and tackles him into touch.
Incredible! Completely outgassed Marcus Smith.
England 14-42 Ireland, 73 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:59 , Luke BakerThis has been a hammering, an absolute hammering. Jamison Gibson-Park gets one of the biggest cheers of the day as he’s replaced by Craig Casey. Gibson-Park has been sublime.
“Fields of Athenry” roaring round the Allianz Stadium now while England fans start heading for the exits.
Another Ireland breakdown penalty won to set them up nicely
TRY! England 14-42 Ireland (Jamie Osborne, 70 mins)
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:56 , Luke BakerIreland probe away on the line after securing the lineout, bashing away with the big men.
When the penalty advantage is awarded, they go more expansive, first going left, then back to the middle. It’s a bit loose but they’ve nothing to fear and eventually Jamie Osborne spots a gap to glide through, then powers over a defender and stretches out for the try.
This has been incredible by Andy Farrell’s men
England 14-35 Ireland, 68 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:54 , Luke BakerThis is simply sumptuous from Ireland. They turn the ball over at the breakdown again on halfway and Gibson-Park kicks into the gaping space int he England backfield.
Smith picks the ball up but there’s a green wall ahead of him, he’s swallowed up by two tacklers and concedes a penalty on the floor. Ireland kick to the corner and have a five-metre lineout.
PENALTY! England 14-35 Ireland (Jack Crowley, 67 mins)
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:52 , Luke BakerEasy for Crowley who bangs it over. That’s probably the death knell for any England comeback hopes.
England 14-32 Ireland, 66 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:51 , Luke BakerEngland under pressure as Arundell retreats to catch a kick over his head and Ireland swarm around him at the ruck. The ball does come back the English way but at the next breakdown, Pepper is pinged for being off his feet.
A penalty bang in front of the sticks and Ireland will extend their lead.
England 14-32 Ireland, 64 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:50 , Luke BakerEngland try to show a bit of ambition with ball in hand, spreading it right. Great flat pass from Smith to Pollock who ships it on to Freeman. He sprints for the right corner but a superb covering tackle for O’Brien and then Baloucoune following in push the winger into touch a couple of metres out.
Superb by those two members of the Irish back three, who have both looked really impressive today.
Ireland then win a penalty off the five-metre lineout and boot clear.
England 14-32 Ireland, 61 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:47 , Luke BakerFord caught in possession near halfway, doesn’t distribute in time, takes contact and is held up in the tackle. England pile men into the maul and get it rolling but the ball isn’t coming back, so Ireland win the scrum to huge cheers from the IRish contingent.
Those cheers are soon English though as England again win a scrum penalty. The front row doing the business once more
PENALTY! England 14-32 Ireland (Jack Crowley, 59 mins)
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:45 , Luke BakerIreland quickly win a penalty after that scrum success and opt to go for the posts.
Jack Crowley, dead central, about 35 metres out. Bangs it through with no drama. The lead is up to 18 points
WATCH: Lawrence in under the posts
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:44 , Luke BakerHere’s the Ollie Lawrence try that might give England a spark of hope
England close the gap! 🌹
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) February 21, 2026
Freeman puts Ollie Lawrence under the posts... Ireland down to 14.
This one isn't over... pic.twitter.com/OBJBtQs62d
England 14-29 Ireland, 57 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:43 , Luke BakerAnother scrum for England’s pack to get their teeth into but this time, Ireland win a free-kick with the hosts deemed to have pushed early. England vehemently disagree, of course.
SIN-BIN! England 14-29 Ireland (Jamie Osborne, 55 mins)
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:41 , Luke BakerJamie Osborne is sin-binned for the offence on the line during that try, so it’s Ireland turn to play with 14 men for 10 minutes.
As Harry mentions, Itoje is taken off early for a second week in the row as Alex Coles comes on. Late bench replacement Cian Prendergast also on for Ireland
Maro Itoje's 100th cap comes to an end
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamFor a second week in a row, Maro Itoje is off early for England - his 100th cap ends in the 55th minute, in a mark of how impressive the form of Alex Coles and Ollie Chessum has been. That Ollie Lawrence try just gives England a smidgen of hope, but how many more punches have they got to throw with much of their bench on early?
TRY! England 14-29 Ireland (Ollie Lawrence, 55 mins)
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:39 , Luke BakerPollock immediately involved as he hands off a couple of defenders and flicks out the back of the hand to Freeman who drives within a couple of metres of the line.
Ireland are pinged at the breakdown, so the hosts have a penalty coming.
They duly fire the ball out to the backs, through the hands and Ollie Lawrence has a gap to surge through for the try. Ford quickly adds the conversion.
There’s a hum around Twickenham. Can the crowd drag England back into this?
England 7-29 Ireland, 53 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:37 , Luke BakerEngland now back up to 15 men as Pollock trots back on, his sin-bin over. Cheers from the crowd.
Ireland are caught offside, so England can again set up a lineout in the 22.
England 7-29 Ireland, 52 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:36 , Luke BakerEngland secure the lineout and cries of “HEAVE” reverberate around Allianz Stadium. The maul puffs and pants but gets to within a couple of metres.
Ireland hold firm though and force a Van Poortvliet dart. HE gets stopped short and Jamie George is then pinged for a croc roll at the ruck. Another opportunity within five metres squandered. It’s remarkable.
Guy Pepper on for Curry in the England back row, while Genge also departs for Bevan Rodd
England 7-29 Ireland, 49 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:33 , Luke BakerBetter from England, despite the 14 men, as they win back to back penalties to push into the Ireland 22.
Nick Timoney on in the Irish back row for Van der Flier
England 7-29 Ireland, 48 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:31 , Luke BakerAn initial reset at the scrum (because, of course) before Ireland’s new prop pair struggle just as much as their predecessors. The Irish scrum is pressure, they left up and England win the penalty.
If every facet of England’s game was as good as their scrum currently is, their last two matches would look VERY different.
England 7-29 Ireland, 46 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:29 , Luke BakerBetter defence from England as the white wall holds firm around the 22 and, after 10 phases, Ireland are pinged for a forward pass. A small win for the hosts and, boy, how they could do with more of those.
A couple of Ireland changes in the front row as Loughman and Furlong head off, with Tom O’Toole and Finlay Bealham on. Straight into a scrum for the new props
England 7-29 Ireland, 45 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:28 , Luke BakerIreland win a penalty on halfway and immediately have another platform ont he edge of the 22 from the lineout.
It’s messy but Gibson-Park resets and gets his big ball-carriers to crash ahead. They expand to the left but Marcus Smith just about wraps up O’Brien as he tries to surge into the 22.
TRY! England 7-29 Ireland (Dan Sheehan, 43 mins)
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:26 , Luke BakerPerhaps inevitably, Ireland score almost immediately after. Tp the penalty from five metres out to move within inches of the line.
Dan Sheehan picks up and the base and darts left, getting his body low and burrowing over the line. Too easy really.
Simple conversion added by Crowley and Ireland’s lead is immediately back up to 22 points
SIN-BIN! England 7-22 Ireland (Henry Pollock, 42 mins)
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:24 , Luke BakerIreland right on the England line, Henry Pollock tackles his man short but doesn’t release quickly enough. Cynical, penalty Ireland and 10 minutes in the bin for the blond-haired livewire. Terrible start to the half from England
England 7-22 Ireland, 42 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:23 , Luke BakerMiscommunication from England defending a high ball as Heyes finds himself underneath an Irish up-and-under but tries to leave it for an onrushing Arundell, only for Ireland to easily regather.
Doris then surges through a gap and Ireland are into the 22.
KICK-OFF! England 7-22 Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:20 , Luke BakerBack underway at Twickenham as Crowley boots the ball long.
Does that try before half-time give England any hope? They need to eradicate the slew of basic errors in attack, defence, kicking and at the set-piece to stand any chance...
Half-time! England 7-22 Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:08 , Ciara FearnA late score gives England a small boost, but it’s been a tough half for Steve Borthwick’s side with Ireland leading by 15 points at the break.
England v Ireland referee forced off injured in crunch Six Nations clash
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:08 , Luke BakerPlayers getting injured is an unfortunate by-product of the physicality of rugby but the Six Nations clash between England and Ireland saw the much rarer instance of a referee having to be replaced due to injury.
In the 29th minute of the clash at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, referee Andrea Piardi crumpled to the turf in the England 22 clutching his leg.
The Italian knew instantly that something was seriously wrong as he could be heard saying over the ref mic “yeah, I’m gone. I’m done.” After receiving some treatment from the medical teams, he called both captains – Maro Itoje, winning his 100th England cap, and Caelan Doris – over to him and confirmed a quadriceps issue.
“I’m done. My quad is gone. Best of luck for the rest of the game, guys,” Piardi could be heard saying before receiving consoling pats on the back from both players.
He was clapped off by the capacity crowd in southwest London and assistant referee Pierre Brousset jogged on to replace him for the rest of the game, with Craig Maxwell-Keys called to run the line in Brousset’s stead.
England v Ireland referee forced off injured in crunch Six Nations clash
TRY! England (Dingwall) 7-22 Ireland, 40 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:05 , Ciara FearnHooray! England finally have some points on the board.
England are pressing hard and finally break through with Marcus Smith offloading to Fraser Dingwall to dot down.
George Ford adds the conversion.
England 0-22 Ireland, 39 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:03 , Ciara FearnChaos reigns as England push again inside Ireland’s 22, but the ball hits the ground and McCarthy breaks away, only for the whistle to blow for a knock-on by McCarthy.
England make another first-half switch with Marcus Smith coming on for Freddie Steward, who has had a difficult game.
England 0-22 Ireland, 37 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 15:01 , Ciara FearnEngland earn a penalty at the breakdown inside Ireland’s 22, and George Ford kicks for the corner.
The lineout goes astray, but a penalty is awarded after Maro Itoje is pulled down.
Back they go to the corner, driving over the front, but Ford is stopped just short of the line.
Tadhg Beirne secures the penalty for Ireland, leaving England with another wasted visit into the 22. Steward returns from the bin shortly after.
England 0-22 Ireland, 35 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:59 , Ciara FearnPollock wins a turnover at the breakdown, sending England surging downfield against a stretched Ireland defence.
George Ford charges into space and offloads to Tommy Freeman, but Gibson-Park makes a brilliant covering tackle to halt the move.
England 0-22 Ireland, 34 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:57 , Ciara FearnPlay resumes with England earning a midfield scrum with just four minutes to go before the hosts are back to a full 15 players.
TRY! England 0-22 Ireland (Tommy O'Brien), 30 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:54 , Ciara FearnEngland are enduring a nightmare repeat from last week as Ireland carve through the defence with ease.
Down the left, Baloucoune makes the break off a clever dummy, timing his pass perfectly to release Tommy O'Brien on the outside, who crosses the England 22 to score.
Jack Crowley adds the conversion.
England 0-15 Ireland, 29 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:51 , Ciara FearnEngland are struggling to get a foothold as Ireland burst from the kick-off, with Josh van der Flier charging into the England half.
The opportunity fizzles, though as a crossfield kick aimed at Baloucoune is safely claimed by Henry Arundell who calls a mark.
Play is then paused when referee Andrea Piardi is injured and replaced by Pierre Brousset.
England in bother
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamTrouble and strife for England after squandering all of those early chances. Losing Alex Mitchell so early is a major blow given how important the scrum half’s speed of ball is to their attack, and they were already struggling with their edge defence before losing Freddie Steward to the sin bin.
England 0-15 Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:48 , Ciara FearnStuart McCloskey powers through Ollie Lawrence and drives Ireland deep into the English 22.
Brought down just five metres from the line, the ball is quickly recycled, allowing Baloucoune to dot down in the corner.
England’s misery is compounded as Steward is sent to the bin for cynically going off his feet to prevent quick ball, though he couldn’t stop the try.
Jack Crowley misses the conversion, but Ireland now lead by 15.
TRY! England 0-15 Ireland (Robert Baloucoune), 27 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:46 , Ciara FearnBaloucoune dives over in the corner, extending Ireland’s lead and putting England further behind in this three-score contest.
England 0-10 Ireland, 26 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:44 , Ciara FearnEngland make a switch in the backline with Mitchell coming off limping and van Poortvliet entering the game.
England 0-10 Ireland, 25 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:43 , Ciara FearnIreland are frustrated as a high ball is launched into England’s 22.
Steward and Tommy O'Brien both go up for it with Steward dropping the ball.
Gibson-Park scoops it up and charges toward the line, only for play to be stopped as O’Brien is penalised for taking Steward out in the air.
Ireland are visibly unhappy, believing it was a fair contest for the ball.
England 0-10 Ireland, 23 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:42 , Ciara FearnIreland go for the posts to extend their lead, but Jack Crowley’s 45-metre attempt drifts wide.
TRY! England 0-10 Ireland (Gibson-Park), 20 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:37 , Ciara FearnIreland take a firm lead!
O'Brien is immediately involved, driving through the England defence to carry the ball into the 22.
Ireland patiently work the phases across the field until England concede a penalty at the breakdown.
Seizing the opportunity, Gibson-Park takes a quick tap and races in for a try in the corner.
Jack Crowley then slots a superb touchline conversion.
England 0-3 Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:37 , Luke BakerNot much to choose between the sides so far
England 0-3 Ireland, 19 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:36 , Ciara FearnIreland make an early switch as James Lowe appears unable to continue.
Tommy O'Brien comes on in his place.
England 0-3 Ireland, 18 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:34 , Ciara FearnEngland are now pressing just five metres from the line, but Tommy Freeman and Ollie Lawrence are both held up short.
England 0-3 Ireland, 16 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:30 , Ciara FearnEngland dominate the scrum forcing Ireland to concede under the pressure.
The crowd erupts at Allianz Stadium, but the cheers fade quickly as George Ford misfires, missing touch for a second time.
England 0-3 Ireland, 14 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:30 , Ciara FearnEngland work through the phases and stretch the ball wide to pacey Henry Arundell, but he loses control under the tackle - easing the pressure on Ireland’s defence.
England 0-3 Ireland, 12 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:26 , Ciara FearnIreland hold firm as England push forward. Strong runs from Nick Pollock, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Lawrence take the hosts close to the try line, but Ireland repel every attack.
England’s pressure finally breaks down when George Ford’s pass out to Steward is knocked forward.
Penalty! England 0-3 Ireland (Crowley), 8 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:23 , Ciara FearnIreland open the scoring. England lose possession from the lineout, with McCarthy producing a superb steal.
Gibson-Park then slices through the defence, keeping England pinned on their line until the hosts infringe at the ruck.
Jack Crowley slots the penalty straight between the posts.
A messy start from England
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamThat’s three slightly messy set-pieces from England, first pushing too early at the scrum, then throwing a wretched lineout and finally being turned over at the maul. Their squad have expressed real frustration about their start in Edinburgh this week, but they just look a little over-eager to get going here.
England 0-0 Ireland, 7 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:21 , Ciara FearnEngland claim their first scrum penalty of the match after Ireland are penalised for wheeling.
George Ford taps and kicks to touch to clear from their 22.
England 0-0 Ireland, 5 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:17 , Ciara FearnIreland make their first serious foray into England’s 22, looking dangerous with numbers out wide.
James Lowe loses control and the ball drifts into touch, a costly unforced error and a reprieve for England.
Moments later, England concede a free-kick for early engagement at the scrum giving Ireland another opportunity. They work the ball strongly through the gain line before sending it back to Lowe, but once again he loses possession into touch.
England 0-0 Ireland, 2 mins
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:16 , Ciara FearnEngland’s first real attacking move breaks down when George Ford sees his chip blocked and the ball ricochet forward off an England hand.
It’s not all bad for the hosts, though, as they now have an opportunity to test Ireland’s scrum early.
Kick-off! England 0-0 Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:13 , Ciara FearnGeorge Ford gets round three of the Six Nations underway at the Allianz Stadium and the Princess of Wales is in attendance.
Time for the anthems
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:07 , Ciara FearnEngland captain Maro Itoje leads the home side onto the pitch, marking his 100th cap.
The stage is set for the national anthems: “Ireland’s Call” first, followed by “God Save The King”.
Numbers behind the rivalry
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:05 , Ciara FearnIreland have won eight of their last 10 away matches in the Men’s Six Nations though one of those defeats came on their most recent trip to Allianz Stadium.
They also lost their last away game in the Championship but have not suffered back-to-back road defeats in the tournament since 2019-21.
England are on a nine-match home winning run, their best sequence since 2015-18 a streak that was ended by Ireland.
At the set-piece England remain perfect on their own scrum feed (8/8) and have even claimed four against the head. Ireland’s strength has been at the breakdown with a joint-high 13 turnovers, including seven jackals.
Ben Earl leads the carry count after two rounds, while Stuart McCloskey has assisted 60 per cent of Ireland’s tries so far.
A game of fine margins and big moments
Saturday 21 February 2026 14:00 , Ciara FearnEngland’s clash with Ireland could hinge on a handful of decisive contributions and few players embody that better than Henry Arundell.
The winger leads this year’s Championship try charts with four, underlining his sharp finishing and game-breaking speed. Yet his campaign has also featured a costly red card in the Calcutta Cup.
Ireland arrive with their own form man in midfield. Stuart McCloskey, now 33, is enjoying a late-career surge at Test level and has emerged as one of the tournament’s most effective creators with three try assists.
But beyond the headline acts, the battle up front may prove decisive. Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan has been flawless at the lineout so far, marginally outpacing England’s reliable Luke Cowan-Dickie. In a contest where territory and possession will be fiercely contested that precision could make all the difference.
Match officials
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndrea Piardi is in charge today, a familiar face to both sides and Maro Itoje particularly after the events at the end of the second British and Irish Lions Test last summer.
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
Assistant Referees: Pierre Brousset (Fra) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)
Television Match Official: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Foul Play Review Officer: Mike Adamson (Sco)
Lions friends become foes
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere were plenty of friendships forged between Lions Irish and English last summer with the two nations providing so much of Andy Farrell’s squad. Ellis Genge and Finlay Bealham, who could lock horns later, have even started a podcast together.
An area of particular interest today might be in the back five of the pack. Nine of the 10 starters on show toured Australia, with the exception being Caelan Doris - who may well have led the Lions if not for injury. This could be very tasty indeed.
How the Henry Pollock factor could help England bounce back against Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleA first start for Henry Pollock comes with plenty of anticipation here at Twickenham, with plenty of headbands among his legion of young fans around the ground. Earlier this week, Steve Borthwick recalled his first memories of a teenage talent with a real steeliness who feels ready for this opportunity:
How the Henry Pollock factor could help England bounce back against Ireland
Scrum battle in focus
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe return of Tadhg Furlong to the Irish starting side comes with the visitors in need of improvement after some frailties were shown up in striking fashion by Italy. England have been going well in that area, though:
What is wrong with Ireland’s scrum and how can England exploit it?
Team news - Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleJack Crowley starts at fly half for Ireland with Sam Prendergast left out of the matchday squad entirely after a difficult day against Italy. Experienced figures Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park all return to the starting side, while Garry Ringrose is fit to feature despite an injury scare last week and resumes his midfield partnership with Stuart McCloskey.
Somewhat surprisingly, there are just five forwards on the bench with no place for last week’s debutant Edwin Edogbo or Cormac Izuchukwu, impressive on the flank. Ciaran Frawley provides fly half, centre and full-back cover with Tommy O’Brien a wing option among the replacements.
There is a late change, too - Cian Prendergast steps in for an ill Jack Conan
Ireland XV: 1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan; 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 James Lowe, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Robert Baloucoune; 15 Jamie Osborne.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Tom O’Toole, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Nick Timoney, 20 Cian Prendergast; 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Tommy O’Brien.
Team news - England
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleHenry Pollock will make his first Test start for England as part of a reshuffled back row that also includes Tom Curry, similarly promoted from the bench. With Pollock at No 8, Ben Earl slides across the openside, while there is a positional switch in the backline, too: Tommy Freeman moves out to the wing and Ollie Lawrence is brought into midfield.
Captain Maro Itoje will win his 100th cap for his country, becoming the ninth Englishman to reach the mark. Jack van Poortvliet and Marcus Smith provide backline cover on a six/two bench.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Henry Pollock; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 George Ford; 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Freddie Steward.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Sam Underhill; 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
Six Nations 2026 schedule in full: Fixtures and results
Saturday 21 February 2026 13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleNeed a reminder of all the Six Nations action so far and the fixtures to come in this campaign? We’ve got you covered.
England's Tommy Freeman ‘struggled without realising it’ after Lions tour
Saturday 21 February 2026 12:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland‘s Tommy Freeman has revealed that an intervention from his Northampton coaches helped him through a slump following the British and Irish Lions tour.
Freeman started all three Tests in the 2-1 series victory over Australia that concluded on August 2 – alongside Maro Itoje and Tom Curry one of only three Englishman to do so – and still felt the effects when the new season began.
While physically he was recharged by the mandatory five-week rest period that followed the tour, Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson and head coach Sam Vesty spotted that his “mental state wasn’t in the best spot”.
A reduction in training and matches enabled the 24-year-old to negotiate the early part of 2025-26 and he went on to take part in England’s autumn campaign until he was affected by a hamstring niggle.
England centre Tommy Freeman ‘struggled without realising it’ after Lions tour
Andy Farrell hits out at Irish ‘keyboard warriors’ in emotional defence of Sam Prendergast
Saturday 21 February 2026 12:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndy Farrell had last week issued a strong criticism of what he described as “keyboard warriors” around the Sam Prendergast/Jack Crowley debate.
Andy Farrell hits out at ‘keyboard warriors’ in emotional defence of Sam Prendergast
Andy Farrell throws his support behind Ireland star targeted by ‘disgusting’ racist abuse
Saturday 21 February 2026 12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleHaving left Edwin Edogbo out of his matchday 23, Andy Farrell also had a message of support for the lock.
Farrell throws his support behind Ireland star targeted by ‘disgusting’ racist abuse
Maro Itoje sounds warning over ‘corrosive’ impacts of social media after racist abuse of Ireland lock Edwin Edogbo
Saturday 21 February 2026 12:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleMore depressingly, Maro Itoje also spoke powerfully this week about racism and the dangers of social media following the abuse suffered by Edwin Edogbo, the Ireland lock, after his debut last weekend.
Itoje laments ‘sad’ racist abuse of Ireland lock and sounds warning over social media
The statistics and stories that show Maro Itoje’s brilliance as England captain reaches century of caps
Saturday 21 February 2026 12:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt will be a special day, meanwhile, for Maro Itoje as he becomes the ninth Englishman to hit 100 caps. Itoje will be sporting special boots for the occasion, and shared a few favourite memories from down the years this week.
The statistics that show Maro Itoje’s brilliance as England captain wins 100th cap
England know what was missing against Scotland – this Ireland challenge will decide their Six Nations fate
Saturday 21 February 2026 12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe can expect to see a fired-up England in the opening quarter today, with recognition within the squad that they had not reached the requisite physical level in the first 15 minutes against Scotland.
The Ireland challenge that will decide England’s Six Nations fate
Inside the mind of George Ford – and a rebirth that defines England rugby
Saturday 21 February 2026 11:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleGeorge Ford retains his starting fly half place ahead of Fin and Marcus Smith, backed to go again after a rare misstep in a redemptive year for the veteran. I found out what makes him tick:
Inside the mind of George Ford – and a rebirth that defines England rugby
Alex Mitchell explains what went wrong with George Ford’s costly blocked drop goal in Calcutta Cup
Saturday 21 February 2026 11:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was a Marcus Smith drop goal that settled this fixture here two years ago, but an attempt to slot three points went awry for George Ford and England last weekend, resulting in a Scottish score. Don’t expect, though, England to go away from the tactic should ball be slow in the Irish 22.
Alex Mitchell explains what went wrong with George Ford’s costly blocked drop goal
How the TikTok generation are driving England forward
Saturday 21 February 2026 11:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleHenry Pollock is one of a number of uber-confident kids coming through the English system. Getting the best out of them may be key to Steve Borthwick’s success, as we explained ahead of the Six Nations:
How the Henry Pollock factor could help England bounce back against Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 11:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd here’s why England have turned to a sort of human Berocca to help cure their Edinburgh hangover:
How the Henry Pollock factor could help England bounce back against Ireland
Steve Borthwick shares his advice to Henry Pollock ahead of first England start
Saturday 21 February 2026 11:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother real character within the English squad is Henry Pollock, hard to miss with his bleached blond hair. Steve Borthwick sent a message of advice to the No 8 as he prepares for his first international start:
Steve Borthwick shares his advice to Henry Pollock ahead of first England start
Meet history buff Joe Heyes, the Leicester and England prop infatuated with Dan Cole
Saturday 21 February 2026 11:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoe Heyes has had to source more than 20 tickets at Twickenham today, largely for the friends and extended family of his Irish mother. He’s a fascinating, and charming, character, as I found out in November:
How history buff Heyes is continuing Leicester and England’s rich front-row lineage
England prop reveals Princess Anne mistook him for Traitors star Joe Marler before Calcutta Cup
Saturday 21 February 2026 10:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland’s scrum, meanwhile, has been going rather well. One of those looking to do the dismantling today will be Joe Heyes, among their most improved performers in the last 12 months - even if not everyone knows who he is just yet...
England prop reveals Princess Anne mistook him for Traitors star Marler
What is wrong with Ireland’s scrum? How England can exploit set piece advantage in Six Nations clash
Saturday 21 February 2026 10:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother major concern for Ireland from the Italy win was the performance of their scrum. What has gone wrong with their set-piece, and how might England exploit it?
What is wrong with Ireland’s scrum and how can England exploit it?
Andy Farrell backs Ireland’s Sam Prendergast to bounce back from being dropped
Saturday 21 February 2026 10:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland boss Andy Farrell backed Sam Prendergast to bounce back from being dropped as he admitted neither of his leading fly-halves were in particularly good form ahead of the Six Nations.
Prendergast has been left out of the matchday squad for today’s round-three clash away to England following a tough outing in last weekend’s tense 20-13 win over Italy.
Jack Crowley will start at Twickenham after his impressive cameo against the Azzurri, with Ciaran Frawley providing back-up from the bench.
Prendergast, 23, began six of Ireland’s last seven Six Nations fixtures and has been overlooked for a matchday 23 in the championship for the first time.
Andy Farrell backs Ireland’s Sam Prendergast to bounce back from being dropped
Sam Prendergast is not Ireland’s fly-half answer – it’s time for Jack Crowley
Saturday 21 February 2026 10:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere was little surprise when Jack Crowley was named at No 10 on Thursday. As Luke Baker explained earlier this week, the time had come to take Sam Prendergast out of the firing line:
Sam Prendergast is not Ireland’s fly-half answer – it’s time for Jack Crowley
Jack Crowley starts at fly half as Sam Prendergast left out of Ireland squad to face England
Saturday 21 February 2026 10:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleFor Ireland, meanwhile, there is a change at fly half with Jack Crowley in and Sam Prendergast out of the 23 altogether.
Crowley starts at fly half as Prendergast left out of Ireland squad to face England
Henry Pollock to make first England start as Maro Itoje earns 100th cap against Ireland
Saturday 21 February 2026 10:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleFor England, it’s a day of milestones - a first start for Henry Pollock, a century of caps for Maro Itoje:
Pollock to make first England start as Maro Itoje earns 100th cap against Ireland
England vs Ireland live
Thursday 19 February 2026 10:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s win or bust for England and Ireland as two Six Nations title hopefuls meet at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. Defeats to Scotland and France respectively mean that neither nation can afford another set-back if they are to challenge for the championship, leaving plenty on the line as round three kicks off.
The action gets underway at 2.10pm GMT.
