With a new hand at the helm, the good ship Ireland is sailing successfully again. Off in search of treasure, Simon Easterby’s side embarked with victory over England; there is plenty that must be navigated before the twice defending champions begin to truly contemplate an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations crown, but this was an excellent start.
England had rocked their winning vessel in the first half with defensive zeal but there felt little doubt that an Ireland side used to rough seas would eventually emerge on top. Away they accelerated at a rate of knots to start the Easterby era with a victory made narrow by two late English tries but decided long before.
