England endured a second-half collapse to lose their Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin. Steve Borthwick’s side produced an impressive first-half display in the headline clash of round one, with a try inside 10 minutes on his international debut from Harlequins wing Cadan Murley and huge defensive improvements, particularly when Marcus Smith’s yellow card left them playing with 14 men for a period.
England led 10-5 at the interval after Smith’s penalty that followed a stylish Jamison Gibson-Park try that Sam Prendergast failed to convert, though defending back-to-back champions Ireland hit another level after half-time. Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan all crossed to secure a bonus point for the hosts in their first match under temporary head coach Simon Easterby, who is filling in with usual boss Andy Farrell preparing for the Lions tour to Australia in the summer.
