Ireland vs England LIVE rugby: result and reaction at Six Nations 2023 as they seal the Irish grand slam following Freddie Steward’s red card

The twin trophies come together as Johnny Sexton lifts the trophy and hands it to his teammates.

Brian O’Driscoll on ITV: “Definitely the greatest team in Ireland in my time, the most consistent Irish team. They pushed the limits of performance even in defeat, the match they lost in New Zealand last year in France in the summer. There is something special about this team.”

Ireland’s injured team members (and there are quite a few) take the stage. Deputy Captain James Ryan has been given the opportunity to lift the Triple Crown – Johnny Sexton has his own bounty to raise…

Andy and Owen Farrell share a warm hug in the stands, with son celebrating his father after his own defeat before joining his team on the field for the Irish head coach celebration ceremonies. While the first of the Irish players received their medals, Bundee Aki, who was carrying his little ones, shared the moments. How cute.

“One of the best nights of our career. This week we talked about the chance to win a Grand Slam in front of our home fans in Dublin. We didn’t get it right in the first half but we held on and finally found a way.

“There was some pressure, but there is pressure in every game you play for Ireland. We were a bit unstable in the first half but we wanted to test ourselves and we are happy that we finally got a result.

“These are special occasions. This is truly special. Johnny’s (Sexton) last Six Nations game today – what a servant, an incredible player, an incredible person.”

England may have fallen short, but there was some much-needed challenge shown by Steve Borthwick’s side, perhaps giving the England head coach a little more confidence that his team was vaguely heading in the right direction ahead of the fall World Cup. The gap that needs to be closed is still huge, of course, but it wasn’t a big hit as many feared.

It’s also one of the most dominant Grand Slams in history – five sides were beaten, all by a double-digit margin. That doesn’t mean that Ireland hasn’t been tested, surviving major first-half challenges against France, Scotland and England, and a bit of fright against Italy, but the best in the world has proven exactly that in these Six Nations.

The Irish team hugs, sharing big hugs and broad smiles in the euphoria of their Grand Slam victory. They really had to work for it and who knows what might have happened if the authorities had seen Freddie Steward’s challenge differently, but you imagine this bright Irish side will find a way no matter the circumstances.

Ireland became Grand Slam champions for the fourth time in championship history.

There is nothing to do with either the knob or the eaves. Owen Farrell was short of passers, and had to be taken by surprise by Henry Slade, who was caught a bit off-guard by Conor Murray and fell behind the winning line.

A pass goes wrong and Ireland chases after Manu Tuilagi. Stolen by Irish hands – It’s not important. IRELAND WINS THE GRAND SLAMI!

A final shot as a high fight for England allows Owen Farrell to find the left corner. Jamie George will lineout.