Six Nations 2026: What went wrong for England in nightmare defeat to Ireland?

Ireland scored 22 points within the first 30 minutes – the fourth most points England has conceded at home in the first half.

This came after England lost 17-0 in 15 minutes to Scotland at Murrayfield.

Former England international Matt Dawson told the BBC: “Fast starts are not about physicality and smashing it, that’s a given, you’re running out for your country.”

“It’s the tactics. It’s how you’re going to play, where you’re going to play and how they’re going to play.

“It’s the individual preparation and understanding how to play a professional sport, not just rugby. Do you have that mentality to adapt from minute one?

“England, when things are going badly in the first 10 minutes, have yet to find a way or a way out of the situation.”

Former England halfback Paul Grayson added: “Out of nowhere England produced a performance that lacked precision, energy and emotion.

“The Twickenham crowd were making a big noise at the start, but after 30 minutes there were mocking chants at the touch of the ball.”

Borthwick has been here before as England coach. In 2023, his team collected 53 points at home to France, but later that year the team was minutes away from reaching the World Cup final.

BBC Rugby correspondent Chris Jones said: “England had an opportunity against Ireland to show that the Murrayfield nightmare was just a misstep, but instead things were worse, with defending poor, accuracy non-existent and the game plan laid bare.”

“All the momentum and confidence of a 12-month winning streak has evaporated in the space of 160 minutes of rugby.

“England’s tactics have been co-opted by Scotland and Ireland, and Borthwick will need to respond and adapt if they are to salvage their campaign in Rome and Paris.”