England defeats Ireland 23-22 to keep the tournament alive until the last day. Ireland was within reach of being the first team to repeat Grand Slams.
The Clover XV aspired to be the first. team in the history of the Six Nations that not only defends the title, but. wins two Grand slams – winning all matches – consecutively. Ireland's worst game in two years ended in defeat, even though England was determined not to seal the coffin. Italy made things easier for Ireland, finally converting its notable improvement of the last two years into a victory against Scotland (31-29)