Ireland vs England LIVE: Six Nations 2023 result and reaction as Ireland seal grand slam after red card

Ireland 29-16 England: Freddie Steward’s controversial red card helped change the game as Ireland completed a deserved 2023 Six Nations grand slam in Dublin

(AFP via Getty Images)

Ireland completed just their fourth-ever Six Nations grand slam with a 29-16 victory over England at the Aviva Stadium, emphatically underlining their status as the world’s top-ranked team heading into September’s World Cup.

None of Ireland’s three previous clean sweeps had been completed in Dublin but this victory over their fiercest rivals was the sweetest way to seal a deserved grand slam on St Patrick’s Day weekend.

There was controversy late in the first half when England full back Freddie Steward was sent off for a dangerous hit on Hugo Keenan despite bracing for impact and turning away from his opposite number, with contact appearing accidental. The harsh call prompted a mountain of reaction on Twitter, including from England cricket captain Ben Stokes.

However, Ireland were still good value for their victory, as Dan Sheehan scored two tries, with Robbie Henshaw and Rob Herring also dotting down, to fulfil Irish dreams.

Relive the action from the Aviva Stadium below:

Ireland vs England - live Six Nations updates

• Ireland beat England 29-16 in the final match of the 2023 Six Nations
• Ireland complete an impressive grand slam in Dublin for the first time
• Freddie Steward controversially red-carded for England in the first half
• FULL-TIME! Ireland 29-16 England
• 77’ - TRY! Herring adds the icing by stretching out to score (IRE 29-16 ENG)
• 73’ - TRY! George forces way over from a maul to give England deserved try (IRE 24-16 ENG)
• 69’ - TRY! Great hands by Conan allows Sheehan to touch down (IRE 24-9 ENG)
• 62’ - TRY! Henshaw goes over from Aki’s pass (IRE 17-9 ENG)
• 51’ - PENALTY! Farrell close the gap to a single point for 14-man England (IRE 10-9 ENG)
• 40’ - RED CARD! Steward shown controversial red after making contact with Keenan’s head (IRE 10-6 ENG)
• 33’ - TRY! Sheehan runs a great line on to Van der Flier’s inside pass (IRE 10-6 ENG)
• ‘Shambles, shambles, shambles’: Ben Stokes and others react to controversial Freddie Steward red card
• France down Wales 41-28 to put themselves in position to nick the title if Ireland slip up
• Scotland beat Italy 26-14 in a thriller to kick off Super Saturday

[18 March 2023 19:01 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

FULL TIME! IRELAND 29-16 ENGLAND

(Getty Images)

[18 March 2023 19:00 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 29-16 England, 82 minutes

Nothing doing at the maul, nor around the fringes, either. Owen Farrell is short of men to pass to, forced to throw to Henry Slade on the blindside, who is caught a little off-guard and behind the gainline by Conor Murray.

A pass flies errant, and Ireland rush through after Manu Tuilagi. Knocked on by Irish hands - it matters not. IRELAND HAVE WON THE GRAND SLAM!

[18 March 2023 18:59 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 29-16 England, 81 minutes

One last shot for England as a high tackle allows Owen Farrell to find the left corner. Jamie George will throw the lineout.

[18 March 2023 18:58 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 29-16 England, 80 minutes

A converted England score would earn the visitors a losing bonus point, which they would probably merit after a battling performance. You have to wonder where this sort of fight was against France.

[18 March 2023 18:56 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 29-16 England, 79 minutes

Into the final minute. Andy Farrell can barely hide his own grin in the coaches’ box, and Robbie Henshaw is biting his lip, too. A special moment for all involved - forget the red card today, this has been an outstanding campaign through which Ireland have been consistently the best side by a distance.

[18 March 2023 18:53 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

TRY! IRELAND 29-16 England (Rob Herring try, 77 minutes)

The replacement hooker clinches it!

Dublin, get ready to celebrate. Rob Herring produces the broadest of smiles as he spots England short of defenders on the blindside as the Irish maul begins to form.

A pair of backs might have been a touch unhappy with Herring had he not been able to reach for the line, the hooker eschewing his support to go it alone but able to place cleanly down. That’s the bonus point score, too.

[18 March 2023 18:52 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Yellow card! Jack Willis is sent to the sin bin! Ireland 24-16 England, 76 minutes

It’s not the prettiest from Willis, lifting Ross Byrne beyond the horizontal and dumping him over the top of an England teammate. It’s more clumsy than reckless, but a yellow card is about fair, and England will end the game with only 13 on the field.

Dan Sheehan is named Player of the Match.

[18 March 2023 18:51 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 24-16 England, 76 minutes

Jaco Peyper blows his whistle sharply twice - the TMO wants to look at a clearout from Jack Willis.

[18 March 2023 18:49 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Ireland 24-16 England, 74 minutes

Irish changes at half-back, with the home fans inside the Aviva Stadium rising to their feet as Johnny Sexton departs the Six Nations stage. Worryingly, Sexton leaves with a major limp, requiring assistance from a medic and pointing at the top of his leg - you hope that isn’t at all serious, but the Ireland captain will surely sign off with a trophy lift tonight.

Jamison Gibson-Park is replaced, too. Conor Murray and Ross Byrne come on.

[18 March 2023 18:47 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

TRY! Ireland 24-16 ENGLAND (Jamie George try, 73 minutes)

Hope for England yet?

A muscular maul works infield and then upfield, the rumbling mass making its way to the line and allowing Jamie George to score.

Owen Farrell converts.