Ireland on course for Grand Slam

Brian O'Driscoll crossed as Ireland remained on course for the Grand Slam with an ugly 14-13 victory over England at Croke Park.

Man of the match O'Driscoll burrowed over in the 57th minute after England's whitewash came under intense pressure and the Ireland captain also contributed a drop-goal.

Ronan O'Gara kicked two penalties on an otherwise poor afternoon that saw him miss four other shots at goal.

Delon Armitage scored a late try for England and also landed a penalty with the visitors once again hamstrung by appalling discipline which resulted in two more yellow cards.

England battled all the way but were again let down by moments of madness, not least from Danny Care who sent Martin Johnson into fits of rage in the stands when he was sin-binned for a mindless barge on Marcus Horan with 11 minutes remaining.

At that stage, Ireland only led 11-6 but Ronan O'Gara's penalty pushed them two scores clear - and it proved crucial after Armitage latched onto Andy Goode's grubber kick to score with two minutes remaining.

England's title chances are over after suffering their second defeat in three games. Ireland, meanwhile, march on.

Revitalised and rejuvenated by Declan Kidney's arrival, the mental frailties that have so often undermined Irish rugby appear to have been stamped out.

Paul O'Connell looks more certain to be Lions captain by the week, while Brian O'Driscoll is showing the form of old. He scored a try, a drop-goal and was named man of the match.

A team so long considered Six Nations bridesmaids can start sizing up their bridal gowns. Ireland have won three Triple Crowns in four years. No longer would that be enough.