Ireland earns rare Grand Slam by beating England 24-15

Rugby

Ireland made it a St. Patrick’s Day for the ages by claiming a rare Six Nations Grand Slam after stifling the old enemy England in a fabulous 24-15 win at Twickenham yesterday.

This was only the third clean sweep by Ireland since the term Grand Slam came into use 110 years ago.

The Irish won the championship the previous weekend and came to the last-round matchup with the deposed twotime champion as slight favourites, but without having won at the home of rugby in eight years.

The fear factor was broken by Ireland in a superb first half with three converted tries to lead by 21-5 at halftime.

Two of those tries suspiciously involved knock-ons but there was no doubt that Ireland deserved a victory built on a decisive attack in the first half and defence in the second as England rallied amid snow flurries.

Scotland beats Italy 29-27

Greig Laidlaw penalty just over a minute from time lifted Scotland over Italy 29-27 in the Six Nations yesterday.