History of the Ireland national rugby union team the Autumn and were caught cold losing 32–10. They were still good enough to beat England, spoiling their hopes of a Grand Slam, and finishing second on points difference. Eddie O'Sullivan took over as coach from Warren Gatland in November 2001 following the New Zealander's sacking. The 2003 Six Nations Championship came down to the wire with Ireland and England playing a Grand Slam decider at Lansdowne Road. England, however, won 42–6. That defeat ended an unbeaten run that stretched back 10 Tests to their Rugby World Cup qualifiers warm up against Romania in September 2002 and included defeats of
2000 Six Nations Championship and finished in sixth place. The teams involved were: 2000 Six Nations Championship The 2000 Six Nations Championship was the first series of the rugby union Six Nations Championship, following the inclusion of Italy into the Five Nations championship. It was the 106th international championship overall. The championship was won by England. England won their first four games and met winless Scotland in their final match. Scotland earned a surprising victory and denied England the Grand Slam. Italy won their first game in the championship with a surprising 34–20 win over Scotland, who had won the previous year's Five Nations.