England skipper feels ‘emotional’
SIX NATIONS: SCUPPER IRELAND’S GRAND SLAM QUEST
England captain Jamie George admitted he felt “emotional” as he watched his side end Ireland’s bid for successive Grand Slams with a dramatic 23-22 Six Nations win at Twickenham on Saturday.
Saracens hooker George, replaced in the 54th minute by Theo Dan, was reduced to the role of a spectator as a thrilling match ended with England substitute flyhalf Marcus Smith kicking a clinching drop-goal with more than 80 minutes on the clock.
England, recovering in fine style from a 30-21 defeat by Scotland, scored three tries – through Ollie Lawrence, George Furbank and Ben Earl – to two from Ireland wing James Lowe.
Yet, having fought back from 17-8 behind early in the secondhalf, it still seemed as if England would suffer a fifth straight defeat by Ireland, for all the visitors had captain Peter O’Mahony sinbinned in the 58th minute, before Smith had the final say.
For George, whose mother died before the Scotland game, a win that meant England had posted three victories in a Championship season for the first time since 2020 capped a tough few weeks on and off the pitch.
“We didn’t panic at any stage and I have to admit it was a bit emotional at the end because of everything that’s gone on,” George told reporters.
“I am so proud. It is probably one of the most emotional and proud days of my career. The reason for that is there were doubters after that Scotland performance and probably rightly so but at the same time, internally we didn’t listen to the noise outside.
“For us to got out there and do that to a team like Ireland, who for me are the best team in the world at the minute, is a really special day.”
Before the match, George had insisted England could upset the odds, the 33-year-old saying: “This is England. This is Twickenham. This is home. And we’re going to defend our home, like every Englishman would.”
The victory in front of a crowd of over 81 000 gave England a chance to win the title, should they beat France in Lyon and Ireland lose at home to Scotland in next Saturday’s final round of matches.
“Jamie has said he wants the supporters to enjoy it and bring them on the journey with us. I thought Twickenham was magnificent and the supporters left with a smile,” said England coach Steve Borthwick. –