TOM Croft came on for the final 18 minutes of England’s 19-9 Six Nations defeat against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday afternoon.

He came off the bench to replace James Haskell after 62 minutes, but could not prevent the visitors losing their first game in this season’s competition.

Ireland maintained their 100 per cent record thanks to a Robbie Henshaw’s try along with four penalties and a conversion from Jonathan Sexton.

All of England’s points came from the boot of George Ford with two penalties and one drop-goal.

Croft will hope to retain his place in the squad for the next game, which is against Scotland on Saturday March 14 (kick-off 5pm).