England prove too strong for depleted Ireland

Ireland were overwhelmed by a professional England outfit who remain on target for a TikTok Women's Six Nations Grand Slam.

Simon Middleton’s charges ran in 11 tries in total but were restricted to just two in an opening half where Ireland’s defence stood firm, for the most part, in front of a record home crowd of 15,836 at Welford Road.

Recalled centre Sene Naoupu was sent off with 12 minutes to play, while flanker Dorothy Wall had been sin-binned earlier in the second half.

Scotland are Ireland’s final opponents with that match taking place in Belfast on Saturday night with England heading to France looking for a clean sweep.

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England: Helena Rowland; Lydia Thompson, Emily Scarratt, Holly Aitchison, Jessica Breach; Zoe Harrison, Leanne Infante; Vickii Cornborough, Lark Davies, Sarah Bern; Zoe Aldcroft, Abbie Ward; Alex Matthews, Marlie Packer, Sarah Hunter (capt).

Replacements: Amy Cokayne, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir, Rosie Galligan, Poppy Cleall, Natasha Hunt, Amber Reed, Ellie Kildunne.

Ireland: Molly Scuffil-McCabe; Aoife Doyle, Sene Naoupu, Enya Breen, Eimear Considine; Nicole Cronin, Kathryn Dane; Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Christy Haney, Nichola Fryday (capt), Aoife McDermott; Dorothy Wall, Edel McMahon, Hannah O'Connor.

Replacements: Emma Hooban, Chloe Pearse, Katie O'Dwyer, Grace Moore, Maeve Óg O’Leary, Aoibheann Reilly, Michelle Claffey, Niamh Byrne.