Beaten.

Ireland’s incredible unbeaten record at home has been broken. The defending champions were rocked this evening at the Aviva Stadium by England – and they know it.

Talk of back-to-back Grand Slams has been brought to a shuddering stop just one game in. England were the better team, and rightfully ran out 30-22 winners.

Speaking after the game, Ronan O’Gara says Ireland boss Joe Schmidt will be “hopping mad” at the manner of his team’s defeat this evening. They simply were not good enough.

“He (Joe Schmidt) is hopping mad.” O’Gara said

“He’s hurt. He’s shocked at his players.”

A massive win for England. Torture for Ireland. Can they bounce back next week against Scotland?