The 48,778 in attendance – the second highest ever for a standalone women’s match around 10,000 shy of last year’s Grand Slam decider against France – were witness to a one-sided affair that was the inevitable procession all expected.
Mexican waves were an early theme that continued for the majority and the staggering scoreline reiterates the need for jeopardy in these showpiece contests.
England’s incredible 28-match winning run in the Six Nations and control over Ireland since their defeat in 2015 continues as John Mitchell’s side charge towards their title showdown in Bordeaux next weekend.
Smiles were aplenty as the Red Roses continue to bloom with Ellie Kildunne and Abby Dow hitting hat-tricks.
Player of the match Kildunne said: “We are so happy to play in front of this crowd at our home stadium. No discredit to Ireland, but we really turned it on and everyone knew their role - it was enjoyable.
“We talk a lot about taking the handbrake off and that feeds confidence. We try new things and good things come from it– we will just do our thing. With a game like today, confidence leads into the next game and we have to focus on the now. We have to enjoy what’s happened, we are taking it as it comes.”
This story is from the April 21, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 21, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
