Ireland began its Six Nations three-peat bid by blowing away England during 30-plus minutes of controlled aggression in the second half for a 27-22 comeback victory in Dublin.

AN EIGHT-DAY turnaround after a bonus-point win on the opening weekend of the Six Nations is just about the dream scenario. The extra day of recovery will help any Ireland player carrying the usual bumps and bruises that come with taking on a fired-up England team.

Ireland has gotten off to a five-point start to its bid for an unprecedented third straight outright Six Nations rugby title by overpowering England in a second-half recovery to rack up a 27-22 victory in Dublin.

Ireland begin their bid for a historic third consecutive Six Nations crown as they face England, who denied them a grand slam last year, in Dublin. The final match of the opening weekend of the tournament may just prove its most consequential,