The greasy conditions in Dublin yesterday must give the authorities cause to seriously discuss whether plastic pitches — like the one Saracens are pioneering at their new stadium Allianz Park— are the way forward for international rugby.
It cannot be right that a competition as glamorous as the Six Nations should be diminished as a spectacle by the playing conditions.
It’s unfair to penalise big prop forwards for slipping when they have to scrummage on a very muddy pitch and find their feet are going backwards under the bone-crunching pressure.
Cut up: James Haskell (pictured) looks on as the pitch cuts up badly at Aviva Stadium More from Ben Kay... Variation helped Lions to win in style, and brilliant Sexton was the maker of it all 05/06/13 Ben Kay's Lions analysis: Keep up the fight! Confrontation will be the key to the Lions beating the Wallabies 02/06/13 Premiership final: Ben Kay's analysis of the key battle areas 24/05/13 Ben Kay’s Lions verdict: How this squad can wallop the Wallabies 30/04/13 BEN KAY: Why my panel of former Lions are urging Gatland to pick an Englishman at flanker... but not Chris Robshaw! 29/04/13 Farrell v Wilkinson: Ben Kay's verdict on the HQ kicking machines 26/04/13 BEN KAY: Wily trio of Jenkins, Hibbard and Jones used experience to win the ref over to Wales 17/03/13 Ben Kay: The changes England need to make to improve on the Italy performance and seal the Grand Slam 11/03/13 Ben Kay: Italy's five danger men who could cause England problems at Twickenham 09/03/13 VIEW FULL ARCHIVEEngland would have wanted to play a more open game, as they did against Scotland, but it was not a match for risky off-loads and adventurous play. Stuart Lancaster’s England took another big step forward in the way they handled the pressure of playing a fired-up Ireland team.
But the biggest plus from this success was the way the forwards handled the frustration of several tight decisions going against them and the way they responded.
The conditions contributed to the sense of drama on an afternoon when the view from the halfway touchline resembled a scene from M*A*S*H in the way the forwards came on and off.
The conditions dictated the style of game and it made the forward battle even more important.
Most of the crucial penalties went against England. But they showed very good composure in the way they did not panic, kept control and did not chase their tails when Ireland levelled at 6-6 midway through the second half.
It’s usual in a really hard forward tussle that no single forward stands out. Chris Robshaw was voted man of the match for another heroic captain’s display in which the official stats made him top tackler in the match.
But others also had very good games. Credit to Tom Youngs — yes, his aim at the line-out is still a bit of a worry — but the way he led the defensive charge early on was very impressive. He went into the tackle at knee height and he was brave.
Time for plastic: It may be time for plastic pitches so the spectacle of the sport is not ruined Man of the match: England captain Chris Robshaw (centre) was the game's top tacklerIt was this factor, rather than England’s work in the tight, which was the most impressive aspect of the forward play.
England’s line speed in defence and kick-chase game never allowed Ireland to run the ball back.
The forwards played a key part in putting the opposition — notably full back Rob Kearney — under immense pressure.
Courtney Lawes was another to excel. His short-lived appearance in the second half showed he is fully revved up to compete for his place after losing out to Joe Launchbury in the second row.
Under pressure: England were brilliant in putting pressure on Ireland full back Rob Kearney (15)Lawes gave England a new injection of energy and it was a pity he went off, because he was just beginning to make a big impression.
His injury came during a tricky period which included the sin-binning of James Haskell. At first I thought it was a bit harsh but after looking at the replays, he played the ball with his foot when trapped at the back of a ruck.
His offence will be a concern for England because he was part of the back row who gave away a lot of penalties here two years ago. Haskell did everything right until he got caught up in that ruck.
Great display: Kay thinks Alex Goode (centre) was unlucky not to be awarded man of the matchI was surprised Alex Goode was not nominated as man of the match. His contribution was really significant because Ireland targeted him and he came through really well — even overshadowing Kearney.
Until now, I had never really considered Goode a Lions contender, but he has certainly put himself in the frame after this match. His performance summed up England’s assured display.
More... Sir Clive Woodward: England are smart enough to beat anyone after victory over Ireland Ireland 6 England 12: Critical minutes when England colts proved big-match pedigree
