The coach praised his team’s maturity to grind out the win and put themselves in the box seat against the winless France – considered one of the early tournament favourites – in a fortnight.
“I’m chuffed for Farrell, but also the whole team’s maturity,” Lancaster said, careful to not get carried away.
“The stakes have always been high but they’re even higher with France coming off a defeat. It will be massive.”
England were leading Ireland 6-0 at the break in a dour affair which saw the field ripped up at every scrum. The scores were leveled by two Ronan O’Gara penalties before England regained control and gave Farrell the chance to kick his team to the win.
England are the only undefeated side in the tournament but will be wary of a wounded France, who lost to Wales on Saturday, when they host them at Twickenham.
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