‘Mon Ireland.
The game didn’t start to plan for Ireland as England emerged and initially bullied Ireland physically before Jonny May went over in the corner.
Ireland hit back with a Sexton penalty as England’s indiscipline cost them with Tom Curry seeing yellow and the penalty count racking up.
But it’s England who are in front at the break as they lead 17-10 with 40 minutes left to play.
It was a hell of a half of rugby, even if it’s not going Ireland’s way at the moment.
Keith Earls came in for a lot of treatment in the first 40 minutes but the Moyross man is made of tough stuff.
⚠ Yellow Card for England's Tom Curry for this late hit on Keith Earls!#VMTVRugby #GuinnessSixNations #IREvENG pic.twitter.com/L9vk5Qpr74
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 2, 2019
They don't seem to like Keith Earls much, do they?
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) February 2, 2019
England very transparently targeting Keith Earls, tactically and physically.#IreVEng
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) February 2, 2019
LEAVE KEITH EARLS ALONE #IREvENG
— Ronzo (@ronronzo) February 2, 2019
Are England trying to kill Keith Earls or something? #IREvENG #SixNationsRugby
— Conor (@DevoDevil19) February 2, 2019
It was physical to say the least, and people loved it…
This game is already living up to the hype 😂 #IREvENG
— abi ⚜️ (@AbigailLucy_) February 2, 2019
Brilliant game of rugby #IREvENG #6nations2019
— Reegs (@RJStephens77) February 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/ElyPenar/status/1091746175617826818
Cracking start to this game! #IREvENG #GuinnessSixNations
— Front Row Life (@rugby_ladz) February 2, 2019
Proper test.
— Jonathan Davies OBE (@JiffyRugby) February 2, 2019
HEALY!
Peter O'Mahony enjoyed the Jaysus out of that Healy try. Mighty roar
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) February 2, 2019
Ttttrrrryyyyy!!!!!
Cian Healy you Beauty!!! Great carries close to the line after a great Lineout!!!#GuinnessSixNations #IREvENG
— The 2nd Row (@the2ndRow) February 2, 2019
Although we want to know how this goes ngl…
There’s an English guy and an Irish girl next to me in the pub on a first date and I’m not sure he’s entirely thought this occasion through #IREvENG
— Old Lady Gwent (@stephchezr) February 2, 2019
How are we feeling about the second half?
#IREvENG got me like pic.twitter.com/eJ2b3o82rE
— Frank the Tank (@MaxSharps) February 2, 2019
2nd most points England have scored in 1st half away v Ireland, after 23 in 1938
— Russ Petty (@rpetty80) February 2, 2019
Not seen England play as well as this since their 2016 pomp under Eddie Jones. They're a side revitalised…and that's the ultimate compliment. This Ireland side is so highly-rated.
— Owain Jones (@OwainJTJones) February 2, 2019
