Ireland thrash England 42-21 at Allianz Stadium

England 21-42 Ireland, Allianz Stadium

Ireland produced a dominant attacking display to defeat England 42-21 at Allianz Stadium, recording their highest ever points tally at the venue.

A blistering first-half performance laid the foundation as Andy Farrell’s side overwhelmed England before managing the contest comfortably after the break.

Ireland surge clear in first half

Ireland set the tempo early. Jack Crowley opened the scoring with a penalty before Jamison Gibson-Park struck the first try. Spotting space quickly from a penalty near the corner, the scrum-half darted over and Crowley converted to make it 10-0.

Ireland’s attack remained sharp while England struggled with accuracy in their kicking and set-piece. Stuart McCloskey sliced through the defensive line to release Robert Baloucoune for Ireland’s second try in the corner. Discipline issues compounded England’s problems as they fell further behind with Freddie Steward sin-binned in the 27th minute.

The hosts continued to dominate territory and possession, with Tommy O’Brien finishing another flowing move to stretch the lead to 22-0 inside the opening half hour. England eventually responded just before halftime when Fraser Dingwall broke through after clever play from Marcus Smith, reducing the deficit heading into the break.

Meanwhile, Henry Pollock became the second England player to be sin-binned in the game for illegally stopping Ireland’s charge.

Second-half control seals victory

Ireland struck immediately after the restart. Dan Sheehan powered over from close range to secure the bonus point. England replied through Ollie Lawrence after strong buildup play, but Ireland maintained control despite yellow card to Jamie Osborne in the 53rd minute.

Crowley added further points from the tee before Osborne crossed with ten minutes remaining to seal the result. Sam Underhill grabbed a late consolation for England, but Ireland’s dominance had long been established.

Ireland’s clinical finishing and tempo proved decisive as England suffered a second consecutive defeat.

Team line up:

England: Steward; Freeman, Lawrence, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Itoje, Chessum, T Curry, Earl, Pollock

Reserves: George, Rodd, Davison, Coles, Pepper, Underhill, Van Poortvliet, M Smith

Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Loughman, Sheehan, Furlong, Ryan, McCarthy, Beirne, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Reserves: Kelleher, O'Toole, Bealham, C Prendergast, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, O'Brien