Captain Hartley accepts that his team were second best

ENGLAND captain Dylan Hartley has hailed Joe Schmidt’s ‘clinical’ Ireland side following their Grand Slam-clinching exploits at Twickenham. Trailing 24-5, Hartley was replaced by Jamie George in the 57th-minute and England’s skipper could only watch on as the visitors cruised to the title, as well as a historic clean sweep. ‘Do you know what, I actually noticed how composed and controlled they were when they got penalties and what they did off the back of them,’ he said. ‘They were very clinical, the way they took their time and it is something I will take away from this game, is how composed they were today. It’s a good learning for me. ‘I am caught up I the tumble dryer of preparing for a game, week to week. I don’t watch the Irish like Joe Schmidt does. We prepared for them this week, watched them through this tournament, they’ve been very strong, had a hell of a start to the tournament with that last minute drop goal. That probably set them up. They’ve earned their title this year. Can’t take it away from them.’ For the second year in a row, England were second best against Ireland. Having seen their own bid for a Grand Slam derailed in Dublin last March, Hartley and Co had to suffer the ignominy of seeing Rory Best and his teammates secure the Grand Slam on their home turf. Hartley’s frustration was clear to see but the hooker could only heap praise on Schmidt’s men. ‘All credit to Ireland, they were deserved winners,’ he added. ‘For the England team, we showed great character to never give up, scoring with that last play of the game, but ultimately we’ve come up short and it’s disappointing.’ Backrow James Haskell, who produced a tireless 80-minute shift in a losing cause, was equally impressed. ‘They’re a quality outfit, they’re very well coached,’ said the Wasps flanker. ‘They do what they do very well, they have a systematic approach, they don’t play a lot in their own half and they execute very well. They’ve got some very talented players who are all good lads.’