England coach Stuart Lancaster hails maturity in win over Ireland
Coach says young players coped superbly with the conditions and Ireland's experience to emerge as the only team with grand slam hopes
England coach Stuart Lancaster was delighted by the maturity of his youthful side after they emerged from a brutal encounter in Dublin as the only side in this season's Six Nations who can win a grand slam.
Chris Robshaw, the England captain, led from the front at the breakdown while 21-year-old flyhalf Owen Farrell also did his chances of selection for the British and Irish Lions' tour of Hong Kong and Australia no harm by kicking all of the visitors' points in a 12-6 win over Ireland.
England's first Six Nations success in the Irish capital for a decade was achieved against a backdrop of constant rain that negated the running game favoured by both sides.
But whereas their record-breaking 38-21 win over world champions New Zealand at Twickenham in December witnessed three England tries in a match few expected them to win, this success saw the visitors grind out victory, with Farrell kicking four penalties to two from Ireland replacement Ronan O'Gara.
However, both successes saw England overcome a rally by their opponents, with England staving off a late Ireland fightback.
"It is very difficult to play rugby against experienced players when we have lads on single figures in terms of caps, it is great testament to their maturity," said Lancaster. "As a test of character it was right up there because of the quality of the Ireland side and the ability to get the win."