Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HEND OF THE WORLD Try-scorer Henderson inspires Green Army to smash England dreams
RECORD breakers Ireland added England’s prized scalp in Dublin to that of New Zealand in Chicago.
It was Joe Schmidt’s men who ended the All Blacks’ attempt for 19 straight Test wins at Soldier Field in November.
Yesterday they dished out the same treatment to the Red Rose – burying their attempt to make it 19 without defeat, and killing their Grand Slam bid at the last hurdle for good measure.
And so, just as in 2001 and in 2011, Ireland stepped up to act as party poopers to an impressive England side that had already secured the 6 Nations title.
With criticism mounting after last week’s Cardiff defeat, Ireland saved their best for last in this championship.
Not only did they avoid a third tournament loss for the first time under Schmidt, they finished second.
There was little doubt they’d be up for it.
But having lost two senior key men in Conor Murray and Rob Kearney this week, they then lost vice-captain Jamie Heaslip to a hamstring injury in the warm-up.
CJ Stander moved to No.8, with Peter O’Mahony promoted to the line-up.
The kick-off was briefly delayed due to the 20 minutes of additional time played in Paris between France and Wales, but it was worth the wait as far as Schmidt was concerned.
A last-gasp converted home try handed France a narrow win – guaranteeing Ireland’s top four seeding for the next World Cup.
Had Wales held on and Ireland lost yesterday, the Welsh would have leapfrogged them.
The pressure off a little, what transpired at Lansdowne Road was a real meaty affair between the old rivals. A direct Ireland ran with pace at their opponents and it paid off.
Making his first 6 Nations start, Kieran Marmion was outstanding and Jared Payne – despite some iffy moments under the high ball – showed what an attacking asset he is