(CNN) England opened its Six Nations campaign with a commanding performance on Saturday, beating tournament favorite Ireland 32-20 in Dublin.

England took the lead just two minutes in with a try by Jonny May and sealed the win with a diving score off an interception by Henry Slade five minutes before the final whistle.

A try by John Cooney in the 79th minute was too little too late for the Irish -- who have not overturned an England halftime lead in a Five or Six Nations game since 1983, according to data providers Opta.

Slade provided two tries for England, while Owen Farrell notched three conversions and two penalties.

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