England’s remorseless pursuit of another grand slam continues after another walkover on a blustery day in Cork. The Red Roses are expecting a record-breaking crowd of more than 50,000 at Twickenham next Saturday for another tumultuous occasion against France who will gunning for the slam themselves provided they overcome Wales in Grenoble on Sunday.
England, though, are almost certain to be without their captain, Marlie Packer, who had to leave the field with an injured ankle five minutes before the break.
Packer had scored one of England’s eight tries and even a squad with this enviable depth of talent will sorely miss the flanker when France come calling.
The Red Roses will also be concerned that in a scruffy game they were only able to score three tries after the interval against an Ireland side that was defiant but limited and never looked like threatening the England line.