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

By Padraic Halpin DUBLIN (Reuters) -Ireland had to come from behind against England to get their bid for a third successive Six Nations title off to a winning 27-22 bonus point start on Saturday thanks to a ferocious second half after the visitors had made life very uncomfortable.

Ireland kick off their bid for an unprecedented men’s Six Nations three-peat with a meeting with England at the Aviva Stadium. The two-time defending champions will be guided by Simon Easterby during this campaign with Andy Farrell on sabbatical as he prepares to take charge of the British and Irish Lions.