Ireland fans single out 'unreal' star after thumping England
Ireland fans have been blown away by Saturday’s performance after a thumping bonus point victory at Twickenham.
Andy Farrell’s side dominated England in the first half, heading into the break with a 22-7 lead.
Tries from Jamison Gibson-Park, Robert Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien fired Ireland ahead early on, before Fraser Dingwall gave the hosts a glimmer of hope with a try right before half-time.
Robert Baloucoune dived over for another try. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
After a lot of attention during the week, Jack Crowley had a good overall performance, though the out-half debate may continue after a couple of poor kicks early on.
Ireland started the second half with the same ferociousness as the first and Dan Sheehan quickly went over the line to secure the bonus point try.
Ollie Lawrence hit back over 10 minutes later with England’s second try, with the hosts finally getting a slight hold on the game.
Farrell’s side stormed to a 42-21 victory. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
However, Ireland weathered any signs of an England comeback and Jamie Osborne went on to add a fifth try.
While the scoring still wasn’t finished, the match was all but wrapped up.
Sam Underhill added a third try for England, but it was too little, too late and Ireland secured the 42-21 win.
Ireland dominated from start to finish. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Fans were quick to share their admiration of the performance, with some still shocked by the onslaught.
One X user wrote: ‘Some performance from Ireland, didn’t see this coming.’
Another shared: ‘Never in your wildest dreams….no matter how big an Ireland rugby fan you are, nobody could have seen this coming. A total domination at Twickenham. Sensational performance.’
Gibson-Park had a fantastic game. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
A third added: ‘Ireland have been fantastic today. In every phase the better team. It looks like it means more to them than England.’
While the whole Irish team put on a stellar show in London, fans had to single out one player in particular that deserved all the plaudits.
Gibson-Park not only scored the game’s first try, but never stopped running from start to finish.
One fan said: ‘Gibson-Park has been absolutely unreal today.’
Another commented: ‘Gibson-Park’s experience has given Ireland so much good ball today. Class player.’
A third wrote: ‘Is Jamison Gibson-Park the best scrumhalf in the Northern Hemisphere?’
Yet another added: ‘Gibson-Park putting in a Dupont level performance today.’
The scrum-half’s performance was recognised before full-time as he was named Player of the Match.
