James Lowe

CHRIS FOY AT CROKE PARK: Northampton staged an heroic fightback at Croke Park before being ejected from the Champions Cup in agonising fashion as a James Lowe hat-trick propelled Leinster into yet another final. The Premiership leaders came to Dublin as clear outsiders against the perennial challengers for the ultimate prize in European rugby and when they trailed 20-3 shortly after half-time, it threatened to turn ugly for the Saints. They had played 'Murder on the Dancefloor' in the stadium before the delayed kick-off and oval-ball murder appeared to be on the cards, but it didn't turn out that way. Normally, when Leinster go for the jugular, they don't miss. But in what was a one-sided semi-final for so long, the hosts couldn't put their English rivals away. Instead, the visitors climbed out of a deep hole and tries by George Hendy and Tom Seabrook brought them to the brink of an epic upset before the Irish province clung on to clinch their place in the showpiece at Tottenham Stadium on May 25.

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: I wrote before the game that England had no chance of winning and that the game was about being competitive against what I think is the best team in the world. For England to win, they'd have to play near the perfect game. Although England defeated Ireland, I still think they will do even better. What a fantastic spot for the team to be in. They were unfounded. Borthwick's men can and must also bring more impetus to their conduct. However, there can be no doubt that this Twickenham triumph against a team as strong as Ireland is a major step forward for everyone in English rugby. This victory would be a big lift for Borthwick fans, I'm sure.

Marcus Smith's kick towards the stars had just dropped over Twickenham, the atmosphere had started to crackle, and Marcus Smith had just kicked it at the stars. The stadium held its breath, a flash point where time stood still, and watched his drop-kick soar toward the posts. He knew it was fine, but it was so bad that it sparked a sensation that hasn't been present in this area for years. The last play of the game, the dramatic move that ended Ireland's undefeated run. Smith had been waiting for this moment. The poster boy of England is finally getting his poster boy moment. Lift off. It was England's biggest victory of the Steve Borthwick era. A show filled with venom, attacking motivation, and a belief that did not die until the game's final play. Even Borthwick, the mild-mannered one, participated in the war, exchanging words with Ireland coach Andy Farrell at halftime. The crowd loved it.