Ireland’s backline were ‘spooked’ by England’s effort and attitude | Nick Evans

Home side consistently doubled up on Ireland’s attackers and when it comes to executing a territorial game Eddie Jones’s side are the best in the world

There was plenty to admire in England’s performance against Ireland but the most impressive aspect was that they looked back to their destructive and dominant best in defence. Manu Tuilagi gives them such a launchpad in attack and he gets them over the gain-line, but it was a victory based on their outstanding effort in defence.

First, their decision-making at the breakdown was excellent. Very rarely were they competing at the wrong times and as a result they always seemed to have numbers on their feet.

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