England and Ireland played out an enthralling Test match on Saturday night at the Aviva Stadium to cap off an amazing first weekend of the Guinness Six Nations.
Six tries were scored, including two for Henry Slade, but it was the defensive discipline and tactical acumen that really caught the eye in a blood and thunder Test match.
Ireland had not lost at home in 12 Tests matches, had never lost at home under Joe Schmidt in the Guinness Six Nations, but came unstuck as England produced the good.
Here is the best of the reaction from the great and the good of the rugby world, starting with World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson:
Just behind him was his former teammate Mike Tindall who liked what he saw from England’s captain.
Will Greenwood was not far behind in his praise for England’s energy levels in their first win in Dublin in six years.
It was the England captain Owen Farrell who stood out most of all for Lewis Moody
Even One Direction’s Niall Horan was impressed with what he saw
A word of praise for CJ Stander’s bravery however, after playing through some brutal facial injuries.
Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies loved the intensity as well.
England flanker Tom Wood knows a tough Test when he sees one.
One man stood out for most people though, Mako Vunipola
Former England prop David Flatman appeared more enamoured with Henry Slade though…
But all was fair in love and war after the final whistle
