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.

In a dramatic start, England debutant Cadan Murley pounced on Henry Slade's grubber kick through to score before the away side had to withstand heavy pressure. After Ellis Genge and Marcus Smith were yellow carded, Ireland No.9 Jamison Gibson-Park crossed but five points from the boot of Smith saw England lead 10-5 at the break.