AllRugby  

6 hrs

England lost to Ireland 27-22 in their Six Nations opener, highlighting defensive issues and promising performances from debutant Cadan Murley.

England faced a tough challenge in their opening match of the 2025 Six Nations Championship against Ireland in Dublin, ultimately losing 27-22. Under the new captaincy of Maro Itoje, England showcased a strong first half, leading 10-5 at the break. However, they struggled to maintain their momentum in the second half, allowing Ireland to pull ahead and secure the victory.

Debutant Cadan Murley made an impact by scoring the opening try and assisting another, although he received some criticism for his overall performance. The Curry twins, Tom and Ben, were instrumental at the breakdown, causing disruption for the Irish side. Ollie Lawrence also demonstrated significant improvement, particularly in his tackling and ability to beat defenders.

Despite these positives, England`s defensive frailties were evident, with the starting back row and midfield combination missing a total of 16 tackles, which proved detrimental to their chances. The match highlighted areas for improvement as England looks to bounce back in the tournament. For more insights, check out the live match report and the analysis of key points.

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