BRIAN ASHTON came down to earth with a huge bump on Saturday.

The former Leigh Grammar School and Tyldesley RU player is now the Irish coach - popularly known in the Emerald Isle as O'Ashton after a thundering and unexpected Five Nations win against Wales!

But, in his greatest test, Brian had to bow to the power of England.

His old mentor at Bath, Jack Rowell, inspired the old enemy to a record-breaking 46-6 win.

The Dublin defeat quickly popped the bubble of optimism created by the narrow victory in Cardiff.

Coach and advisor Ashton conceded England had too much in their armoury as they first subdued Ireland before launching their late try feast.

He said: "They slipped into a level of rugby in those last 15 minutes that had tremendous power, tremendous pace and tremendous finishing. I'm just glad they did not do that for the full 80 minutes."

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