Ireland began its Six Nations three-peat bid by blowing away England during 30-plus minutes of controlled aggression in the second half for a 27-22 comeback victory in Dublin.

AN EIGHT-DAY turnaround after a bonus-point win on the opening weekend of the Six Nations is just about the dream scenario. The extra day of recovery will help any Ireland player carrying the usual bumps and bruises that come with taking on a fired-up England team.

England lead after 40 minutes in Dublin. Back on the pitch and back in the points. Marcus Smith kicks England five clear and that will be that. England's fleet-footed back-row gamble is paying off so far with Ben Earl, Tom and Ben Curry stirring up Ireland's usual intricate patterns, getting into eyelines and ribcages at pace.

Ireland has gotten off to a five-point start to its bid for an unprecedented third straight outright Six Nations rugby title by overpowering England in a second-half recovery to rack up a 27-22 victory in Dublin.