Ruthless Ireland send England back to square one
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Head coach Brian Ashton has admitted that England have a huge task ahead of them if they are to mount a credible defence of their rugby World Cup crown after a record 43-13 thrashing at the hands of Ireland.
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BRIAN KERR finished the international year on a high with this friendly win at Lansdowne Road. Republic of Ireland boss Kerr has taken his side to the top of Group Four in World Cup qualifying
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After the phoney war of words came a battle of phenomenal intensity, that Ireland eventually won through an insatiable appetite for hard work, the excellence of their midfield backs and - it has to be said â-ome assistance from their favourite referee
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England play their first match under Fabio Capello, while Northern Ireland and Wales are also in action.
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One of the marks of a great player is the ability to produce when it matters. This was England&#39;s most important one-day game of the season.
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Sport: Rugby World Cup: England had to toil to see off Samoa and get their campaign back on track.
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England took a positive step towards putting the glittering Clive Woodward era behind them and moving on when Charlie Hodgson inspired the demolition of South Africa - England&#39;s sixth successive
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Felipe Contepomi's late drop-goal denies Ireland victory away to Argentina.
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Ronan O'Gara scores all Ireland's points as Eddie O'Sullivan's side defeat South Africa in Dublin.
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England select the same team that faced Scotland for the Six Nations game against Ireland.
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Ireland take on England at Croke Park in a crucial Six Nations match.
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The cream of European football look to re-assert their dominance
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England opened their new era under head coach Andy Robinson with a 12-try rout of Canada as they won 70-0 at Twickenham. Jason Robinson marked his debut as England captain with a scintillating hat-trick as
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Ireland drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their World Cup qualifier to partially avenge a defeat to the hosts before Euro 2004. A 2-0 defeat to the Swiss in the same city last October ended Ireland&#39;s
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England go into their first World Cup match on Saturday in much the same way they have operated since winning the last one; defeated, uncertain and minus Jonny Wilkinson.
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England start their defence of the World Cup with a laboured victory over a willing but limited USA side.
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Can the other Special One inspire England to victory? Find out with Sean Ingle.