Wing Jonny May has scored a superb solo try, as England overwhelmed an inexperienced Ireland 18-7 to remain unbeaten in the Nations Cup.
May crossed twice for the hosts, as he reached joint second on the all-time England tryscorers' list with 31, alongside Ben Cohen and Will Greenwood, but still well adrift of Rory Underwood's 49.
After forward-orientated victories over Italy and Georgia, England's backs were to fore in the first half, as May caught an Owen Farrell kick to put them ahead.
May then went almost the length of the field for a spectacular individual effort to put them 12-0 clear at the break.
Two Farrell penalties stretched the lead and England then defended superbly, as Ireland dominated the second-half possession.
The visitors struggled for any penetration though, until Jacob Stockdale caught a Billy Burns kick to snatch a try five minutes from time.
England coach Eddie Jones was full of praise for May after the match.
"He's right up there, if you consider he's 30 and he's still improving every aspect of his game," says Jones.
"He's such a dedicated trainer and is obsessed about getting better. He's a great role model for all the players in all teams."
Meanwhile, teenage winger Louis Rees-Zammit scored a maiden try in his first start, as Wales ended a six-game losing streak with an 18-0 victory over Georgia.
Rees-Zammit also set up a try for replacement halfback Rhys Webb, and first-five Callum Sheedy scored his first points in a Wales jersey with a conversion and two penalties, as the home side laboured to a victory that will ease the pressure on coach Wayne Pivac.
Wales remained third in Group A, five points behind leaders England, whom they host next weekend. They handed debuts to flanker James Botham, grandson of former England cricketer Ian, halfback Kieran Hardy, centre Johnny Williams and teenage first-five Ioan Lloyd.
Georgia showed improvement from their 40-0 drubbing by England last time out, but were surprisingly outmuscled in the scrum and have now scored only seven points in their last three tests.
Reuters
