England on course for title after beating Ireland

Meanwhile, Ireland’s frustrations continue, and the search for a first win of the competition goes on as Schmidt’s reigning champions wave goodbye to their chances of a Six Nations title defence.

England No. 8 Billy Vunipola stood out throughout the fixture, however, and was unfortunate not to lead his side to the line in the first 40 minutes, his hulking frame causing a constant concern for the Irish.

Johnny Sexton gave Ireland the lead on five minutes with a penalty from just inside the 10 metre line after England prop Dan Cole was punished for not binding at the scrum.

But they gifted England a soft penalty shortly afterwards when Devin Toner was penalised for taking a runner out without the ball and Farrell stepped up to coolly reduce the arrears to a single point with half an hour to play.

England winger Jack Nowell made a try-saving tackle on Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw in the right corner.

With neither side threatening a try, England No 8 Billy Vunipola, the man-of-the-match, nearly found a way through with a blindside break off a ruck in the 23rd minute before being tackled into touch just short of the line by Murray and flanker CJ Stander.

Best loves playing at England’s national rugby union stadium.

Haskell was yellow carded four minutes after the restart for a high and late tackle on Murray.

Farrell was unable to convert but, after withstanding a spirited Irish onslaught after the break, England had the lead once again.

Ireland led early in the second half after Conor Murray had scrambled over for the visitors’ only try of the game before Anthony Watson and Mike Brown crossed in quick succession to put the game beyond Joe Schmidt’s side.

Henshaw should have got Ireland back in the game but with the try line at his mercy Nowell was able to barge him into touch.

Ireland would not be denied easily, however, and they piled on the pressure in the final 10 minutes – Danny Care yellow carded for not rolling away in the same ruck Brown was let off for planting a couple of studs in Murray’s face.

The teams for today: Stuart McCloskey and Josh van der Flier will make their Ireland debuts.