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Ireland claim historic Grand Slam in Dublin against 14-player England


Ireland claimed a historic first Six Nations Grand Slam in Dublin, and fourth ever, courtesy of a 29-16 victory over England at a fervent Aviva Stadium, after the visitors lost full-back Freddie Steward to a first half red card.

Previous Ireland Grand Slam wins in 1948 (Belfast), 2009 (Cardiff) and 2018 (Twickenham) had each been won away from home, but tries from hooker Dan Sheehan (two), centre Robbie Henshaw and replacement Rob Herring confirmed a title-winning success. Skipper Johnny Sexton also added nine points with the boot in his final Six Nations Test, becoming the all-time points scorer in the championship in the process.

Ireland 29-16 England - Score summary

Ireland - Tries: Sheehan (33, 68), Henshaw (62), Herring (77). Cons: Sexton (35, 63, 70). Pens: Sexton (19).

England - Tries: George (73). Cons: Farrell (73). Pens: Farrell (8, 15, 51).

England skipper Owen Farrell had kicked his side into a 6-0 lead, while the visiting defence proved strong for most of the first half before Sheehan broke through to score. Steward was then sent off by South African referee Jaco Peyper with Ireland 10-6 ahead for making head contact with opposite number Hugo Keenan, though, in a harsh decision, with the England man turning away and bracing for contact after a knock-on more than initiating a forceful act.

In Peyper's defence, Keenan would not return for the second half such was the ferocity of the impact to his head, and despite the hosts putting in a nervy performance on the whole, nothing could sour Ireland's day after a marvellous championship clean sweep for Andy Farrell's squad.

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