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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
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
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
