OPTIMISM was the keynote from both managements after England's 28-15 win over Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday. England won the Triple Crown and, thanks to Wales' unexpected win over France in Cardiff, the International Championship as well.

The championship has followed an erratic course and England won it by scoring just three tries in their four matches. Their manager, Jack Rowell, was unrepentant: "We had to change our team this season and if England can win the title it just underlines the trend of England rugby."

England captain Will Carling's season is over - he had been carried from the field on a stretcher before the interval with damaged ankle ligaments.

But there is nothing like a win to heal a rift and Rowell, not a paid up member of the Carling Fan Club, said of the man who has led England for eight years: "England without Will Carling will be like Trafalgar Square without Nelson."

Rowell, severely criticised for England's tactical approach this season, got support from Murray Kidd, the Ireland coach, who said: "I do not understand the criticism. They have been much maligned for the way they play the game. If we had won like they had against Scotland when they closed the Scots down, we would be delighted.

"It seems to me there is a certain amount of arrogance in the attitude of those who expect England to win constantly and to win comfortably. International rugby is not like that."

Ireland manager Pat Whelan was quick to stress that there is no reason for any despondency: "We have brought in many young players and they have done well. We beat Wales A a fortnight ago and beat them in the championship and they now beat France.

Whelan is now turning his attention to the future, firm in the belief that several of the young players brought in this season represent that future.