Twickenham Stadium hosted a match that will long be remembered last weekend, as England achieved a last-ditch triumph over heavily favoured Ireland. In what goes down as the biggest win in the Steve Borthwick era so far, England snatched the win through Marcus Smith’s 80th minute drop goal.
There was plenty of post match reactions, as both England and Ireland’s players and coaches shared their thoughts on the stunning test match. The post-match mix zone was abuzz with journalists and TV reporters, who were eager to hear from the players, as the celebrating supporters spilled out onto the Twickenham concourse. Here are five things we learned from the post-match interviews, after England achieved an unexpected victory over Ireland.
1. IMMANUEL FEYI-WABOSO RELISHED EVERY MOMENT OF FIRST ENGLAND START
After an inspired tempo-lift from the bench against Scotland, Manny Feyi-Waboso was awarded his first start for England in last weekend’s win against Ireland. It was a truly unforgettable day for the young Exeter wing, who was amongst his side’s top performers against Andy Farrell’s men. The 21-year-old expressed how it was indescribable to be apart of the winning England team, on his first test match start.
“Amazing. Nothing like it. It’s ecstasy. When the drop-goal went over, it was crazy. It didn’t feel real. Emotional as well. Class.”
“The whole experience was crazy, the ups and downs, hearing ‘Swing Low’ in the stadium. I didn’t think you’d hear it because you’re in the zone but during breaks in play, it’s crazy when you hear that. I think I had goosebumps on the pitch when I heard that. It does get you up. It felt like we were in control of that game. Amazing.”
“Yeah, I was still feeling all of those emotions on the bench (against Scotland). Starting, I was definitely more nervous the day before. But then you get lots of clarity from the coaches. You know, roughly what’s coming. When the coaches are telling you to get the ball in your hands you just feel a lot more comfortable.
2. OLLIE LAWRENCE SHARED HIS REACTION TO MARCUS SMITH’S WINNING DROP GOAL
In what was the match-winning moment of magic, Marcus Smith sent the ball sailing through the posts to clinch the win over Ireland at the last possible moment. England centre Ollie Lawrence spoke after the match, and shared what was going through his mind when the ball was shipped to the Harlequin, who was stood poised in the pocket.
“We had the penalty advantage on the right hand side. I looked up at the clock and it said ’80’, and I thought ‘why are we still going here?’ I don’t know what we’re waiting for!’
“Then we had another penalty under the sticks. Marcus pulled back into the pocket and we managed to slot that drop goal. All the 10s practise that in training. He had the opportunity to win the game. We were calm as a team, we knew we had the penalty to rely on and we had the players to execute, which they’re so good at doing.
We just got into the shape of (going) around the corner, around the corner, to try and get over the line. The ball got slower and then Marcus was there in the pocket. It was fingers crossed and we all hoped. He delivered just as he always does.”
“Yes definitely, (big impact from Marcus Smith). That’s another thing we touched on this week, making sure the bench comes on and brings that energy. They all did really well.”
Additionally, Lawrence gave an insight into the England changing rooms, with the celebrations in full flow for scrum-half Danny Care. The Harlequin achieved his 100th cap for his country, and became only the sixth male in history to make a century of appearances for England.
“We had our team song that we sing after a win. We had a few talks for Danny Care because it was his 100th game today. That was a massive factor for us today as well, it was DC’s 100th game and wanted to make sure we put in a performance for him. We need to be able to beat teams like this to push up in the rankings. That’s what we want to do slowly but steadily.”