Two England tries gave the visitors a slim 17-10 advantage at half-time of their Guinness Six Nations opener against Ireland in a pulsating first 40.
Eddie Jones’ side made the perfect start, hitting Ireland cold after less than two minutes when slick passing saw Elliot Daly two-on-one before he fed Jonny May to dart over in the corner.
The hosts soon responded, Cian Healy burrowing over with Ireland camped on the line, prompting a cacophonous response from the Dublin crowd.
But England weren’t to be deterred, Elliot Daly chasing up his own kick to dot down after Jack Nowell had disrupted Jacob Stockdale, giving Jones’ men the advantage.
And England extended their lead mid-way through the second 40, Jonny May lofting a chip deep into Irish territory, with Henry Slade first on the scene to gather and dart over, a brief TMO interlude confirming that the centre was onside.
Slade grabbed his second with time running out, sealing England’s bonus-point as he snaffled a risky Johnny Sexton try at the second attempt to dive over.
There was still time for Ireland to respond, though, John Cooney darting over after an initial break from Sean Cronin gave Joe Schmidt’s side hope of a losing bonus point.
