Ireland became Grand Slam champions for the fourth time following Saturday’s 29-16 Guinness Six Nations win over England in Dublin.
Captain Jonathan Sexton was given the perfect send-off in his final Six Nations match with a second Grand Slam and the all-time championship scoring record.
He limped off with six minutes to go to a standing ovation.
Freddie Steward was sent off just before half time, but Ireland were unable to start their St Patrick’s weekend celebrations until Henshaw and Sheehan converted tries for 24-9 after over an hour.
sports mailADAM HATHAWAY and SHANE MCGRATH rated the players.
Freddie Steward was sent off just before half time for his challenge on Ireland’s Hugo Keenan.
Captain Jonathan Sexton received the perfect send-off in his final Six Nations match
England qualifications:
by Adam Hathaway
butler freddy 4
Decent before the unfortunate red card for challenging Hugo Keenan where he had nowhere to go.
anthony watson 5
He used his feet a couple of times and could have done with more of the ball. Well defended.
henry slade 6
Much more involved than in the four previous games and used his left foot effectively.
Manu Tuilagi 6
He brought a punch to the England midfield early like the old Manu and good line speed.
Enrique Arundell 5
He got down to business but was caught by Irish before being replaced on the hour.
Owen Farrell (ch.) 7
Good handball kicking play put Ireland under pressure and they were bubbly as usual.
Jack van Poortvliet 5
Some box kicks were too long and uncontested and the number 9 spot is still up in the air.
Owen Farrell’s kicking game put Ireland under pressure and it was sparkling
Jack Willis’s yellow card shouldn’t detract from an immense performance, brilliantly tackled
Ellis Genge 7
A ball of pent up anger, carried hard and with honors even in the scrum with Tadhg Furlong.
James George 6
He far exceeded double figures in tackle count and scored a late try, never giving up.
kyle sinckler 6
He was penalized a couple of times but more involved with the ball in hand. Well crumbled.
Maro Itoje 6
Much more visible around the park than recently. Not quite back but abrasive.
dave ribbans 6
In place of Ollie Chessum injured and did not disappoint with his physicality and tackling.
Lewis Ludlam 7
Easy going against the French, but bristling here and reliable as a lane option.
Jack Willis 8
The yellow card shouldn’t detract from an immense performance, brilliantly tackled and superb on the ground.
Alex Dombrandt 5
The challenge on Johnny Sexton gave Ireland a penalty in the first half, but he was involved in the defence.
replacements: Jack Walker, Mako Vunipola (for Genge 65, 5), Dan Cole (for Sinckler 68, 5), Nick Isiekwe (for Ribbans 70, 5), Ben Curry (for Willis 53-65, Dombrandt 65 6), Alex Mitchell (for Van Poortvliet 70, 5), Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant (for Arundell 59, 5).
Ryan Baird’s energy on both sides of the ball was immense and his skill levels are phenomenal.
Ireland:
By Shane McGrath
Hugo Keenan 6
A terrible tackle from Steward ended what had been a nearly perfect championship up to that point. Spring Player.
Mack Hansen 9
He dealt magnificently with the fleeting threat of Arundell, but his attacking value has skyrocketed this spring.
robbie henshaw 8
Praised in advance for his ability to come back from an absence at a high level, and he showed it here. Earring.
Bundee Aki 8
In defense, he enjoyed looking after Tuilagi, and in attack he was a trusted messenger. He is still vital.
James Lowe 7
He ran out of the defensive line and missed his man in a nervous but valuable attacking interlude.
johnny sexton 8
He took the championship scoring record early and played like a man who would not tolerate a sad ending.
jamison gibson-park 9
This was exceptional from a player whose importance to the team now rivals that of Sexton and Furlong.
Andres Goalkeeper 7
Super loose, but his discipline was lax and the scrum had its toughest start of the season.
Robbie Henshaw was praised in advance for his ability to return from absence to a high level.
Dan Sheehan 8
A few stubborn lineouts, but two tries, skill and footwork that would put many a test center to shame.
Furlong Tadhg 6
Three handling errors within the first quarter and a tough day in the scrum betrayed a long absence.
ryan baird 9
His energy on both sides of the ball was immense and his skill levels are phenomenal. Great performance.
james ryan 7
He is rock solid, incessantly loose and a very capable deputy for Sexton.
Peter O’Mahony 7
A day for the dogs, and the Munster veteran gets his hands dirty with an eagerness that belies his age.
Josh van der Flyer 7
Celan Doris 7
Not as dynamic as in previous games, but especially in the first half, he was safe and protected.
replacements: Rob Herring (for Sheehan 70, 5), Cian Healy (for Porter 76, 5), Tom O’Toole (for Furlong 59, 5), Keiran Treadwell (for Baird 74, 5), Jack Conan (for O’Mahony 56.6), Conor Murray (by Gibson-Park 74, 5), Ross Byrne (by Sexton 74, 5), Jimmy O’Brien (by Keenan 40+3, 6).
scorers:
Ireland: Tries: Sheehan (2), Henshaw, Herring; Cons: Sacristan (3); Pen: Sacristan.
England: Test: George; With: Farrell; Pens: Farrell (3).
Referee: Jaco Peyper (SA) 5.
att: 51,171.