Ireland's Tommy Bowe is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring a try against England at Twickenham © Getty Images

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Matches: England 16 - 20 Ireland

Players/Officials: Johnny Sexton | Jonny Wilkinson

Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations

Teams: England | Ireland

Ireland speedster Tommy Bowe hailed his side's 'never-say-die' attitude following their 20-16 victory over England in their Six Nations showdown at Twickenham.

The Grand Slam champions arrived at Twickenham needing an emphatic response to a demoralising rout in Paris that prompted uncomfortable questions about their limitations. And they delivered a gutsy display to battle past England with a brace of tries from Bowe putting them on course for the win.

Bowe, who crossed in each half, was left beaming as Ireland ensured they remain snapping at France's heals with their sixth victory against England in seven matches dating back to 2004.

"We were disappointed with what happened against France but we didn't read too much into it. We got back onto the horse again," said Bowe. "Every team slips up every now and again. If we'd lost against England the doubters would have been out once more. But within the squad we know the talent we have and what we can do.

"There was a lot written about the France game but we stuck together and pulled out the victory. This was a brilliant win - it puts us back into contention. The championship is out of our hands to an extent with France unbeaten but there's still a lot to play for.

"We got off to a good start but our indiscipline let England back into it," added Bowe. "We paid for that when we were three points down with seven minutes to go. It was looking a bit dodgy, but like Wales last year we showed a never-say-die attitude. To come back like that is extra special.

"Heading into the final five minutes the pressure was really on. It would have been easy to retreat into our shells so to come back with that try and close out with our defence when they didn't look like scoring was superb. It was great to get over for that second try. We called the same move earlier in the game but it went wrong. We called it again and it came off.

"We weren't trying to score off first phase, we just wanted to get on the front foot. Luckily the hole opened up. The fact we won was special, but the fact I scored twice makes it that little bit more special for me."

Wales, smarting from another kamikaze defeat by France on Friday, visit Croke Park on March 13 before Ireland close their Six Nations against Scotland at the same venue a week later. And Declan Kidney's side need France to slip up in one of their remaining two games against Italy and England if they are to have a chance of retaining their crown.

"We're still in a good position with two home games coming up," said Bowe. "Wales are under a bit of pressure - they almost pulled off another comeback against France - and it should be a good game after the dramatic match we had last year."

Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip, who claimed the man of the match honour at Twickenham, is hoping England do his side a favour in Paris next month but admits that France are in the driving seat.

"It would be an odd one, an Englishman doing an Irishman a favour but you never know!" said Heaslip. "I can see England causing France problems, but France are very clinical. They punish mistakes. But if England play the game they did against us, controlling the pace and territory, they can neutralise a lot of France's attributes."

Reflecting on the victory over England, Heaslip added, "It's great to get another win. That was probably bit of a boost for ourselves. We took our opportunities against England to get the win and put ourselves back on track. I expect England aren't too happy with our run against them, but that's the way it goes.

"Before the match we talked about the fact we'd beaten them five out of six times to build up belief in ourselves. When we went behind that belief came out. We'd been in that position before and we worked out how to get ourselves out of it. They have a big pack but we gave as good as we got."