Ireland’s loss puts pressure on Griggs

THIS defeat was a sobering reminder of how much work is needed if Ireland are to dine at the top table again. They came to spoil England’s party as they chased the Six Nations title, and while they didn’t manage to do so, that was left to France whose win over Wales saw them crowned champions.

Trailing 19-6 at half time, there was never any way back for Ireland who now wait to see if Adam Griggs stays on as head coach. The Kiwi’s position will be reviewed by the IRFU but Griggs confirmed that he wanted to remain in the job.

“I’d love to build on what we have done so far,” Griggs said.

Ten minutes in, England’s Danielle Waterman pounced to score, and while Ireland’s Hannah Tyrrell responded with a 20th minute penalty, the hosts then grabbed two Daley-McClean tries from mauls in just four minutes. Niamh Briggs added a second penalty to cut the gap to 13 points at the break.

Ellie Kildunne secured the bonus point on the hour mark, while two Daley-McClean conversions and an Amber Reed try rendered Claire Molloy’s try little more than a consolation. IRELAND U20s’ Six Nations title push came up well short against England at the Ricoh Arena.

Angus Curtis has had a fine campaign and the Ulster centre was central to Ireland’s start.

He fired a beautiful pass to Angus Kernohan who was bundled into touch. From the lineout, Harry Byrne’s kick was gath- ered by Tommy O’Brien, who passed for James Hume to score.

But England hit back as Ben Loader rose above Michael Silvester and dotted down to level.

Then, O’Brien ran clear from the 22 to put his side back in front. Byrne added the extras.

Dingwall then scored and Tom Hardwick’s conversion drew the teams level again, before he fired over a penalty and Byrne responded in kind for 15-15.

But England dominated afterwards. Ben White got the first try of the second half and Hardwick added the extras for 22-15.

Joe Heyes then got over for the bonus point, Hardwick added the extras and did so again for Gabriel Ibitoye try with 10 minutes remaining.

Josh Basham scored a sixth try, again converted by Hardwick. A seventh soon followed from Ben Earl.