Six Nations 2026: Ireland show they’re not done yet after breaking records in England

After being hammered by France two weeks ago, Ireland arrived in south-west London and showed the rugby world they were not done yet.

On Thursday, Farrell urged his players to “fire some shots”, and they responded to end England’s nine-match home winning run in brutal fashion and spoil Maro Itoje’s 100th cap.

After being heavily criticized for a negative and protracted display in Paris, Ireland have rediscovered the defensive resolve and attacking flair that propelled them to the top of the world rankings leading into the 2023 World Cup.

There were tremendous performances all over the field.

Caelan Doris produced one of his best performances as captain, Crawley dazzled at the half-volley, Rob Baloconi provided key moments at both ends of the pitch and Josh van der Vlier responded emphatically to being left out of last week’s win over Italy.

But no Irish player stood taller than Jamison Gibson-Park, who embodied Ireland’s desire to outmaneuver England on both sides of the ball with a gifted half-volley display.

The British and Irish Lion, who came off the bench against Italy, scored Ireland’s first try, set up Baloconi’s second, and ended his day with a well-deserved Man of the Match award.

“I called him a few moments after his first few moments that he was going to get man of the match,” legendary Irish halfback Conor Murray said on Irish Rugby Social.

“He kept things quick, did what he does best. Tadhg Byrne was incredibly clever to give him the ball on that try and everything worked from there. He was fantastic.”