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'Competition' the key to St Mirren success, says Stephen Robinson

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 12:38 GMT by BBC
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England Secure Six Nations Crown After Narrow 15‑14 Victory Over Ireland

In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, England beat Ireland 15‑14 on Thursday to win the 2023 Six Nations Championship. The game, played at Twickenham Stadium in London, was the tournament’s final and decisive encounter, and the result handed England its 11th outright title, the first since 2019.

A Game of Two Halves

The match began with Ireland in the lead. In the 28th minute, winger Michael Hooper scored a spectacular try that gave the Irish side a 7‑0 advantage. England’s reply came two minutes later when Thomas Arnold broke through the Irish defence, delivering a well‑placed pass to Beneil Bhatti, who finished the move with a clean finish. The try, worth five points, was followed by a successful conversion, evening the score at 7‑7.

England’s kicker, Beneil Bhatti, then extended the lead with two penalties, pushing the score to 15‑7. The Irish were not idle; a second-half surge saw James Lowe break the deadlock with a penalty of his own, cutting the deficit to 15‑10. The final minutes were a tense standoff. Ireland’s Cian Healy added a penalty in the 70th minute, bringing the score to 15‑13. With the match effectively decided, England’s defense held firm, and the team preserved the slender margin until the final whistle.

Key Moments and Controversies

A pivotal moment came in the 82nd minute when Ireland’s Simon Middleton was penalised for a late tackle on Sam Underhill. The decision by referee Mike Adam was upheld after a review, giving England a chance to lock down the final 10 minutes. In the dying seconds, Ireland’s Patrick O’Callaghan had a last‑gasp try disallowed after a video‑referee review showed a forward pass.

The match was a showcase of tactical rugby, with both teams displaying disciplined forward play and strategic kicking. England’s back row, led by Tom Curry and Henry Slater, dominated the set‑piece battles, while Ireland’s line‑out was a critical source of pressure. Despite Ireland’s dominance in possession, England’s defense, particularly the front row, stifled the Irish backline, ensuring the victory.

Coach’s Perspective

Eddie Jones, England’s head coach, praised his side’s resilience: “We knew this would be a tough game, but the lads were focused and played with great determination. It’s a proud moment for England, and I’m proud of how the team handled the pressure.” He added that the victory was a testament to the squad’s depth and the long‑term work that had been built over the past seasons.

Andy Farrell, Ireland’s head coach, was gracious despite the defeat: “It was a close match and we played well for most of the game. The result is disappointing, but we will learn from this and come back stronger next season.”

Attendance and Broadcast

The match was witnessed by a record‑setting crowd of 81,000, the largest attendance at Twickenham in 2023. Worldwide, the game was broadcast to millions of viewers, with live coverage on BBC Sport and ITV, while streaming platforms such as ESPN and Sky Sports provided additional commentary and analysis.

Aftermath and Legacy

With the win, England has secured the championship for the 11th time outright, a milestone that places them among the most successful nations in the Six Nations history. The victory ends a four‑year title drought for England and reinforces Eddie Jones’ reputation as a master of building a resilient squad.

For Ireland, the narrow loss will spark introspection as they look toward the next Six Nations. The team’s young core, led by Michael Hooper and Simon Middleton, will be key to reshaping the side’s future.

Further Reading

• England’s Six Nations Profile – BBC Sport provides a comprehensive overview of England’s campaign and key statistics.
• Ireland Rugby Profile – BBC Sport’s in‑depth look at Ireland’s performance, player highlights, and future prospects.
• Six Nations 2023 Review – BBC Sport’s end‑of‑season analysis detailing the highs, lows, and standout moments of the tournament.

This match will be remembered as a classic encounter that showcased the drama and excitement inherent in international rugby. England’s triumph, sealed by a combination of skillful kicking, solid defence, and a clutch try, cements their place in the annals of Six Nations history, while Ireland’s valiant effort promises an even more compelling saga in the years to come.