How England brought the ‘oomph’ to stun Ireland in Six Nations epic

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It’s George Martin in a nutshell.” Jamie George had just been asked about England’s returning second-row star bringing added ‘oomph’ to the side during the shock victory over Ireland and liked what he heard. open image in gallery George Martin helped England dominate the lineout The scrum also won multiple penalties as Ireland were denied the clean set-piece platform they had so thrived off in their opening three victories, while the home attack finally had added power to punch holes in the Irish defensive line. His eight defenders beaten was the second most in a single game for England since the stat was first measured by Opta in 2009 – a figure only bettered by Billy Vunipola, who beat nine, also against Ireland, in 2016. open image in gallery Ben Earl put in another superb performance for England Speaking of Vunipola, for the first time since he, his brother Mako Vunipola and Manu Tuilagi were in their heyday, England looked like they had the physicality with ball in hand to finally challenge world-class defences. open image in gallery Alex Mitchell directed England’s attack with aplomb at Twickenham Skipper George was certainly effusive in his praise of Mitchell, saying: “He's a real high-quality, world-class player in my eyes.