England lead at half time, 6- 13

Two drop goals from Wilkinson give England a seven point lead at half time.

p>Ireland had the best of the posession in the opening minutes. After one minute Ireland were awarded a penalty 2 m into their own half. Humphries elected to kick, was on target but failed to make the distance.

He made up for that miss two minutes later with a drop goal to give Ireland an early lead of 3-0. It took England just four minutes to reply with a try converted to make it 3-7.

Humphries was wide of the mark again with a penalty goal after 16 minutes but Ireland kept the pressure on. Ten minutes later, Ireland pulled back the deficit with a penalty goal by Humphries making it 6-7. Wilkinson replied three minutes later with a drop goal, widening the gap to 6-10.

Ireland threatened the England line on a number of occasion but the try did not materialise. Wilkinson had the last score of the first half with another drop goal. The score stands at Ireland 6, England 13.