* Immense forward display earns 30-9 win
* England finish second behind Wales
(Adds details)
By Mitch Phillips
LONDON, March 17 (Reuters) – England’s rebuilt side
completed a satisfying Six Nations championship when, on the
back of a devastating scrum, they beat Ireland 30-9 on Saturday
to finish second behind grand slam winners Wales.
Six penalties by nerveless flyhalf Owen Farrell, a penalty
try and a score for scrumhalf Ben Youngs were a fair reward for
England’s dominance, particularly in the second half when they
took Ireland to the cleaners in the scrum.
England, the defending champions, finished second on eight
points after earlier away wins over Scotland, Italy and France
to leave interim coach Stuart Lancaster in a strong position to
be given the job of replacing Martin Johnson on a permanent
basis.
Having entered the championship with a new coach, new
captain, a host of new players and with their reputation in
tatters after the World Cup, it has been a remarkable turnaround
under the uplifting guidance of Lancaster.
Ireland, who had won seven of their previous eight
championship meetings with England, finished third on five
points, ahead of France on points difference.
Wales’s grand slam-clinching victory over France in Cardiff
earlier on Saturday meant that England could not retain their
title but, following on from their excellent win in Paris last
week, they had plenty to play for against a team who have given
them so much trouble in recent years.
Continued…
