In Pics: England 24 Ireland 28 (2)

Pictured above: Hooker Jerry Flannery, whose livewire performance again enhanced his Test reputation, tries to duck under the challenge of Leicester prop Julian White. Saturday marked Limerick man Flannery’s fifth successive start for Ireland and sixth cap in all.

There was no fear of Flannery being overawed by facing the current world champions in London. He said during the week: “A lot of people talk up the English sides and I’m getting used to that. At the end of the day, they’re just like you and me – skin and bone. You have to concentrate on your own game.”

Ireland lock Paul O’Connell takes flight as he tries to halt the progress of England’s Stuart Abbott. After helping his country to a second Triple Crown in three seasons, O’Connell already has his sights on the summer’s three tour matches against New Zealand (2) and Australia. The 26-year-old said: “A Triple Crown is great but I think the Southern Hemisphere countries are going to be the real test for us.

“You have got to look at the talent we have. Ireland have always had good packs who could mix it with teams, But, when you look at the backs we have at the moment, we need to start making more of them. Two Triple Crowns is great but we need to kick on. We need to look at Grand Slams and winning away from home against Southern Hemisphere sides – making steps up.

“We’ll see where we are when we go down to New Zealand and Australia on the summer tour. We went there (New Zealand) four years ago and we nearly beat them. We are going to have to try to do the same again. That might sound unrealistic, but I think we should be looking at winning one or two of those games.”

Denis Leamy makes full use of a lineout blunder by England – Lee Mears with an awful throw – to steal possession and dive over for a 58th-minute try – his first for Ireland on the occasion of his 11th Test cap.

Denis Leamy gets a pat on his back from Ronan O’Gara as he wheels away in delight after scoring his try. The Tipperary man did have to wait a little longer before his score was confirmed. Welsh referee Nigel Whitehouse asked for assistance from television match official Huw Watkins before Leamy and Ireland could truly celebrate. The try, converted by O’Gara, pushed the visitors 21-18 in front.

Leamy subsequently damaged his ankle and was forced off. Eddie O’Sullivan said: “The extent of the damage – we won’t know for another day or two – but it looks like there’s no fracture in his ankle.”

Peter Stringer pleads with referee Nigel Whitehouse to award Denis Leamy’s try, but the Welsh official looked to speak to his touch judge and the television match official before confirming Ireland’s second touch down.

Ireland’s most capped player Malcolm O’Kelly, who took his caps tally to 80 on Saturday, rises above England lock Steve Borthwick to claim a lineout throw.

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**All photos by Billy Stickland and Morgan Treacy of Inpho Photography**