Letter: Rugby tackle

How can Chris Rea possibly have seen the Ireland defeat as "largely self-inflicted" ("The Landslide Road show", Sport, 16 February)? Yes, Ireland missed a few chances but so did England. The match I watched saw England weather a fierce early Irish assault and dominate proceedings from then on, while being slightly more profligate than the Irish, before crushing their opponents in the final quarter.

There is plenty to criticise in England's performance if we want to - Carling was wasteful, de Glanville typically nothing special, Gomarsall sometimes untidy, Stimpson too predictable - but Rea fails to pick up on these valid criticisms. Instead he continues to begrudge England their hard-earned and hugely enjoyable victory.

Daniel Prior

London W1