There was a sense of deja vu that the game ended on a forward pass in the corner disallowing a try, but Ireland are on a charge to defending their Six Nations crown.
It was an enthralling game against England and a ten point win doesn't flatter Ireland in the slightest.
How did the players do?
Ireland Player Ratings v England
15. Rob Kearney 7
Probably his best game this Six Nations. Chased kicks well, and always took the right option. So close with a long range drop goal that would have capped off his performance well.
14. Tommy Bowe 6.5
His pace to cover Ben Youngs after Billy Vunipola broke showed he's still got it. Didn't get much opportunity with ball in hand, but was always in support of key attacking movements.
13. Jared Payne 7
His best performance in a green jersey. Constant worker, shoving Goode out early was good, and made a few half breaks.
12. Robbie Henshaw 9
An outstanding performance. Made some big defensive interventions in the first half totally 13 tackles, and continually gives Ireland go forward ball. His leap for the try was brilliant, and the finish was amazing. Six defenders beaten. SIX!
11. Simon Zebo 8
The pressure from Keith Earls and Luke Fitzgerald is growing, but Zebo really stepped up. He was everywhere, especially in the first half. Three defenders beaten, an offload, a turnover, illustrated how good he was with ball in hand.
10. Johnny Sexton 8
Controlled the game for the 50 minutes he was on. It was billed as the battle of the outhalves, but Ford didn't get into the game while Sexton made the most of his armchair ride. That smash on Ford was fantastic.
9. Conor Murray 8
Grew into the game, and ensured that when Sexton went off that Ireland didn't relinquish control. His kick for Henshaw's try was pinpoint.
1. Jack McGrath 7
Part of a strong front row performance that more than achieved parity at the scrum. Vindicated Schmidt's faith in him.
2. Rory Best 8
The real Rory Best finally turned up after two uncharacteristically quiet games to open the Six Nations. Best's workrate was fantastic, making 9 tackles and being a nuisance at the breakdown. He really stepped up today.
3. Mike Ross 7.5
Effectively denied England their biggest strength by overturning Marler's perceived advantage. For that alone he will be incredibly happy. The first scrum after he came off showed how well he played,
4. Devin Toner 8
What remains to be said about Devin Toner. Stolen lineouts, forced turnovers and vital cleanouts that retained possession when England looked to steal. Is feeling pressure from Henderson but continues to answer his critics.
5. Paul O'Connell 7
6. Peter O'Mahony 6.5
A little quiet compared to his usual performances, was unlucky at the breakdown several times but constantly slowed down the English ball. Was more prominent with ball in hand than usual with 11 carries for 16 metres.
7. Sean O'Brien 7
Was having a very good game before he went off with a suspected concussion. It's a credit to the rest of the team that his absence wasn't felt more.
8. Jordi Murphy 8
The reason O'Brien wasn't missed was because Jordi Murphy announced himself on the international stage. Earned some huge turnover penalties at the breakdown, and played more like the openside flanker he is. Beastly performance.
16. Sean Cronin -
Only came on with seven minutes, making two carries. Not on long enough to rate.
17. Cian Healy 6.5
His pride might be hurt after the challenge with Dan Cole, but gave Ireland an impact off the bench and added to McGrath's good performance.
18. Marty Moore 6
Will be disappointed with the first scrum, but redeemed himself with big turnovers minutes later. Looks more and more comfortable at this level.
19. Iain Henderson -
Not on long enough to rate.
20. Tommy O'Donnell 7
Topped Ireland's tackle count with 13, with none missed. Quietly effective.
21. Eoin Reddan -
Did not play.
22. Ian Madigan 6.5
The score during his time on the pitch may have been 0-6; but there was no sense that Ireland would ever lose this. Madigan continues to perform better for Ireland than for Leinster. One mistake being the kick that went out on the full, but he looked confident and the players had confidence in him despite Sexton's absence.
23. Felix Jones -
Not on long enough to rate.
