As Ireland shuffled their unwelcome guests out of the door, the celebrations could properly begin. For England’s players it felt strikingly familiar – as in Paris 12 months ago on, left to watch through the windows, without an invite to the hottest party in town. The Six Nations grand slam may have been harder won than expected, in the end, but no one could dispute that Ireland’s triumph was richly deserved.
“This is a high point, but I hope it’s not the highest point,” Johnny Sexton said after lifting the trophy, already on to the next challenge before the carouse to come. “Roll on the World Cup – that’s what we need to focus on now.”
