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How the media in the Southern Hemisphere reacted to Ireland's Grand Slam win over England

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 18: Johnny Sexton, the Ireland captain, holds the Six Nations trophy as Ireland celebrate their Grand Slam victory during the Six Nations Rugby match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

IRELAND'S RUGBY TEAM MADE HISTORY LAST WEEKEND BY winning their fourth Grand Slam in the Aviva Stadium against England.

The clean sweep was Ireland's first on home soil and was made even sweeter the fact that it came on St. Patrick's weekend.

Two tries from Dan Sheehan, Robbie Henshaw, and Rob Herring meant that Ireland's 29-16 win against 14-minute England will go down in history.

The game was also Johnny Sexton's last game in the Six Nations and as Ireland captain.

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The 37-year-old also broke Ronan O'Gara's Six Nations points record and is the all-time leading points scorer in the tournament.

Ireland will now firmly look ahead to the Rugby World Cup in France next year as firm favourites to lift the Webb Ellis trophy next Autumn

Andy Farrell's men have been lauded by various outlets from the Northern Hemisphere for their displays over the last 18-months.

Here is how certain members of the media from the Southern Hemisphere rugby media reacted to Ireland's statement win on Saturday.

The New Zealand Herald

The New Zealand Herald a daily newspaper published in Auckland, New Zealand said: "Ireland mastered the hype and expectations to win the Six Nations and a historic first Grand Slam in Dublin by seeing off England 29-16.

"The Irish came into the championship as the favourite and swept through it to underline its world No 1 status and make a huge statement six months out from the Rugby World Cup, where they have never won a knockout match."

The West Australian

The West Australian said: "Ireland have completed their fourth Six Nations Grand Slam with a 29-16 victory over England at a pulsating Aviva Stadium emphatically underlining their status as the world's top-ranked team heading into September's Rugby World Cup.

"The script could not have been better prepared - a chance to seal a first Grand Slam in Dublin on St Patrick's Day weekend - and Ireland delivered, although it was nervier than they would have liked against an England side reduced to 14 men for the entire second half."

The South African

The South African said: "It is a big statement of intent from the top-ranked Test team, just six months out before the World Cup tournament in France, and equally an important demonstration that they have the temperament to win a major title."