England’s strength in depth secures victory and maintains 100% record against Ireland

Ireland 5 – 49 England

It was a game of two halves for the Red Roses as they scored six tries in the second half against a courageous Irish side to win their 22^nd game in a row.

In view of a record-breaking crowd at the Virgin Media Park Stadium in Cork, Ireland frustrated an England side in the hunt for a 4^th successive Grand Slam.

Despite eventually scoring seven tries, it wasn't plain sailing for England as they went behind in the 24^th minute, conceding a try to Ireland for the first time in six years.

Amee-Leigh Costigan was the woman to score the historic try to gain the first five points for Ireland against England since Clare Maloy scored six years ago however they were not able to convert.

Ireland continued to frustrate England as they defended valiantly, forcing England into handling errors and with O’brien kicking excellently relieving the pressure from the English attack.

The Irish defence finally broke in the 37^th minute after England capitalised on their strong set pieces with an accurate line out and driving maul allowing Morwenna Talling to tap down, with Harrison converting.

The second half started with Ireland almost scoring a try right after the break, however it was England to score again as Zoe Harrison touched down after a great break and fast hands from the Red Roses.

The floodgates then opened, and Megan Jones scored England’s third try. This followed a brilliant break for Abbie Dow, who was collecting her 50^th cap for England, as she broke through the Irish team before pulling the ball back inside for Jones to score.

Coach John Mitchell freshened things up for England bringing on a completely fresh front line, Sarah Bern scored her 25^th and 26^th tries not long after coming off the bench to ensure England's bonus point try.

Women’s World Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne got her name on the scoresheet soon after for England’s 6^th try, after a tantalising break through the Irish defence, finishing her try with her trademark Lasso celebration. Zoe Harrison converted keeping her 100% conversion rate during the game.

Kelsey Clifford topped off an incredible second half for the Red Roses as she scored her first ever try for England.

Ireland will feel frustrated as they failed to build on an excellent first half where they smothered England and prevented them from scoring on multiple occasions with a huge and intense defensive display, holding England to just one try in the first half. They will be able to look at the positives though and use this game to continue their improvement throughout the tournament, turning their pressure into points.

This was a great test for England, using their strength in depth and powerful replacements being the difference between the two sides. England were also able to capitalise on Ireland’s O’Dowd sin bin early in the second half, scoring two tries in this time. England capitalised on the space in the middle, stretching Ireland and using their powerful quick wingers Breach and Dow.

The win for England takes them back to the top of the Six Nations table and they will have lots to work on during the week as they face Scotland at home before the huge decider against France in 2 weeks' time at the Allianz Stadium , Twickenham.