England 18 Ireland 7: Jonny May shines as England turn up defensive heat

Winger May’s first half brace, including a stunning solo effort, saw Eddie Jones’ side 12-0 ahead at the break.

They were so dominant in defence that they looked set to keep opponents scoreless for a second successive game following on from the 40-0 Autumn Nations Cup victory over Georgia.

The last time that occurred was in 1962 but Ireland - who had most of the territory in the second period - ruined hopes of that with Jacob Stockdale’s 74th minute try.

Andy Farrell’s side had grown tired of being bashed by England’s suffocating defensive line, finally realising they would never get through it, Billy Burns instead resorting to a chip over in midfield for the replacement full-back to weave in from 20m out.

But it could not disguise just how dominant England - who have won 10 of their last 11 games against these opponents - had been with outstanding lock Maro Itoje once more proving peerless as he comfortably won his much-anticipated battle with Ireland captain James Ryan.

England led 12-0 after May’s classy brace in quick succession.

The first, in the 17th minute later, was a standard affair, Owen Farrell launching one of his crossfield kicks and the winger rising to unerringly beat James Lowe in the air.

The second, four minutes later, however, was a thing of beauty.

Admittedly, there was nothing beautiful about Ireland’s line-out as it spluttered not for the first or last time in England’s 22.

Jones’ side seized on the over-throw and suddenly May was scorching through in the left centre role before chipping ahead, surging past Jamison Gibson Park and winning the race to complete a stunning 80m effort.

Farrell improved and, though Ireland managed to find more territory, they were once more unable to do anything with it.

Itoje ruined a third line-out, poking the ball out of Ryan’s hand to leave Ronan Kelleher exasperated, one of his earlier throws having not been straight.

England had also caused problems in the scrum, winning a penalty in the build-up to May’s opener, and wherever Ireland looked to attack in general play they were met by a steely wall of white.

England’s defensive line speed was exceptional while Tom Curry twice won turnovers, first crucially on Hugo Keenan after Keith Earls had made Ireland’s only line-break of the half and then again after scrum-half Jamison Gibson Park tried sniping from a ruck in another promising position.

England’s confidence was clear to see from the opening exchanges when they ignored a penalty in front of the posts to take a quick tap.

Admittedly, it came to nothing but it was obvious they felt they could cause this Irish team some damage.

They did not have it all their own way; Itoje thought he was destined to score from a line-out drive before the break only for Ireland to hold firm and force a turnover.

And Farrell’s side did win a scrum penalty, too, but that did not come until the hour mark and, even then it ended with nothing, Itoje restoring order by coming up with yet another turnover to see off the danger.

England celebrate such defensive wins more exuberantly than tries, illustrating just how much pride they take in this aspect of their game.

By that point, Farrell had also added two penalties so they were 18-0 ahead and in command.

Henry Slade did brilliantly to deny Chris Farrell a try before Ireland saw another line-out land loosely and, typically, with English hands over the ball.

Stockdale did get that score at the death but it did not detract from the power of this fine England display.

England are now top of their group and in pole position to compete for the title on finals weekend.

They play Wales in Llanelli in their final group game next Saturday, while Ireland host Georgia the following day.

England: Daly; Joseph (Malins 72), Lawrence (Ford 69), Slade, May; Farrell, Youngs (Robson 63); M Vunipola (Genge 63), George (Dunn 80), Sinckler (Stuart 69), Itoje, Launchbury (Stuart 69), Curry, Underhill (Earl 63), B Vunipola.

Ireland: Keenan (Stockdale 58); Earls, Farrell, Aki, Lowe; Byrne (Burns 72), Gibson Park (Murray 51); Healy (Bealham 66), Kelleher (Herring 51) Porter, Roux (Henderson 51), James Ryan, Stander (Connors 66), O’Mahony, Doris.

Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France)