Lawrence Dallaglio went over for England’s the only try of the half in the seventh minute.

Matt Dawson carved his way through the Irish defence and offloaded to the former captain, who scored under the post. Jonny Wilkinson duly converted the try.

Wilkinson then sent over two drop goals – one on the stroke of half-time to extend England’s lead to seven.

Ireland had got back to within one of England after David Humphreys converted a penalty following good attacking play from the home side.

The Ulster fly-half had given Ireland the lead in the fourth minute with a drop-goal but missed two penalty kicks in the opening half.