LONDON • Jet-heeled winger Jonny May moved joint second on the all-time England tryscorers' list on Saturday, bagging two, including one sensational 90-metre effort, as England beat Ireland 18-7 in the Nations Cup at Twickenham.

May had gone five games since his last score against France in February but he ended that dry spell after just 17 minutes when he jumped high in the corner to catch an Owen Farrell kick and put England ahead.

He soon got his second, a try that displayed not only his scorching pace but also his game intelligence, taking him to 31 tries, alongside Ben Cohen and Will Greenwood though still well adrift of the record of 49 scored by Rory Underwood.

Asked to evaluate his contribution, coach Eddie Jones was effusive in his praise.

"He's right up there - if you consider he's 30 and he's still improving every aspect of his game," the Australian said.

"He's such a dedicated trainer and is obsessed about getting better. He's a great role model for all the players in all teams."

May was certainly far from the finished article when he arrived on the international scene in 2013, going seven games before bagging his first try and was more noted for his sideways movement than the incisive lines he now finds.

Determined to crack the highest level of the sport, he set up personalised sprint training and worked on his aerial game to the point where he is now England's best player under the high ball.

"I remember watching him in the 2015 World Cup and at one stage, he was going to end up in Row K. Now he's a serious finisher," Jones said.

May played down his performance on a day when England's all-round defensive effort was outstanding.

"I love scoring tries, but they come or go and every week, I have to make sure I defend well, my basics have to be brilliant and that is what I need to work at," he said.

"There are just so many feelings and emotions when you score a try for your country, but you have to quickly get back to the job and see the game out."

As for his chances of overhauling Underwood, he added: "You don't start rugby to achieve those sort of things, those are the things that you reflect on when you are done playing.

So it's just head down and keep working hard and see where I can take my game."

REUTERS