Brian O'Driscoll stunned by Ireland's comprehensive display against England

There have been suggestions that Andy Farrell's side is on the decline, particularly following poor performances in their opening two Six Nations games, but this was a return to form.

It was reminiscent of their golden era in 2022 and 2023 as Ireland touched down five times to secure a 42-21 triumph at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The result could revitalise Irish rugby and with matches against Wales and Scotland to come, they have put themselves back in Six Nations title contention.

Although they may have had more important victories at Twickenham, such as the 2018 Grand Slam success, it was perhaps their greatest win at that stadium.

"I think it's probably the shock factor as well, just the lack of expectation comparatively. They were a great team [in 2018], I suppose ours was a bit of a shock, but they blew England away today," Ireland legend O'Driscoll said on ITV Sport.

"When everyone's talking about if it could be a blowout for England and then it transpires to be the opposite, you're kind of a bit flummoxed, going 'how did that happen?'

"It was just about Ireland building their way into the game. There were a couple of big defensive sets to hold England out and then they let their attack game go, and they took their opportunities."

While O'Driscoll praised Ireland, he was highly critical of England, who followed up their dreadful loss to Scotland with another shambolic performance.

"England looked like they had huge vulnerability, defensively I don't think they had the hunger or aptitude that Ireland had," he added.

"There are a few things that Steve Borthwick and his team need to go away and rediscover in themselves because you're not going to win Six Nations and build appropriately towards World Cups if you're going to play with, not necessarily entitlement but belief that fine will be okay.

"It's not, the Six Nations is a tough competition to win and every team can beat everyone as we've seen today."

O'Driscoll was joined on the panel by fellow Ireland legend Rory Best, who was similarly delighted with how Farrell's men performed.

"Drico mentioned the word and Dan [Sheehan] said it a lot, it's belief. The second half showed a lot about the belief they have.

"We said at half-time if they're able to come out and push on, get that next score and build, but they did more than that.

"They dominated that second half so that says a lot about the confidence and belief they have in their ability, and the ability the team has."

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