Ireland were never at their best in a tightly contested affair but Brian O'Driscoll led by example, and a moment of inspiration from the skipper saw him score the decisive try to keep Irish dreams of a first Grand Slam since 1948 alive.

''What I do know is that England played well and when that happens it makes a very good victory for us, O'Sullivan said after the 19-13 win.

''In the second half we got the crucial try at the crucial moment.

''We also slotted over our penalties and drop goals and if we hadn't missed a drop goal and a penalty which Ronan O'Gara would normally have kicked then we would have put the game away easier.

''As it was we had to defend for long periods and that is all good for the confidence of the team.

''I think our try was very well worked, it was a gem, as good a try as we have scored for a while.

''We played a lot of good stuff, it wasn't perfect but then rugby is never perfect.

''It's been a long hard week but we take away a lot of satisfaction from this.

''The guys really believe in what they are doing, three or four years ago we wouldn't have won that game. Right now all the pieces of the jigsaw seem to be coming together.''