Under pressure.
Ireland have had a tough Six Nations campaign so far, tying their first game with Wales and getting pipped by a point against France last week. Joe Schmidt’s men are out to do all that they can to redress that balance in Twickenham today against an England side that had won their first two games.
The early scores were, much like in the game against France, dependent on the kicking of Johnny Sexton and his opposite number Owen Farrell.
Sexton nailed his first penalty to put Ireland 0-3 up before Farrell levelled things. Farrell then blew a straightforward kick on 16 minutes.
England had most of the momentum but solid defending, particularly from Donncha Ryan and CJ Stander, kept the score low and caused England attacks to break down. Still, England took the lead with five minutes to go in the half with another Farrell pen.
Plenty of hope for the second half, but England have a deserved lead at half time.
Here’s what Twitter had to say about that first half:
That really cheered me up!! poor Owen "NOT"😂 he's just so arrogant plus a dirty player and just rubs me up the wrong way lol #ENGvIRE
— Halz (@hmplant27) February 27, 2016
Fock off, Farrell, even though I respect you as a kicker.
— Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (@RossOCK) February 27, 2016
One of the calmest opening 20 mins in an #ENGvIRE game I've ever seen.
— Tadhg Peavoy (@TPeavoy) February 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/nbrez/status/703628284215611392
Billy Vunipola is DESTROYING Ireland! Down getting treatment again. Hope he fecks off!
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) February 27, 2016
Massive defensive effort from Ireland has kept a rampant England out in the past 20 minutes & scum penalty allows Ire clear lines #ENGvIRE
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/colm_casey/status/703634235056373760
Jones mind games working – Murray should have kicked – we're playing too much rugby #ENGvIRE
— Paul Smith (@oldbikerider1) February 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/KarlBrophy/status/703634512924827649
