England Women secured their first Grand Slam since 2012 with a determined 34-7 win over Ireland at Donnybrook.
The Red Roses scored tries through Amy Wilson Hardy, Laura Keates, Amy Cokayne, Emily Scarratt and Lydia Thompson with Scarratt ending the match with a personal haul of 14 points.
Ireland scored a consolation try of their own through hooker Leah Lyons but it was not enough to prevent England’s first Six Nations win in Ireland since 2011.
Tight first half
The Red Roses took the lead in the 16th minute when Emily Scarratt found Wilson Hardy with a fine looped pass and the Bristol wing dived over for her fifth try of the tournament.
England then survived a sustained spell of pressure from Ireland late on of the first half to go in at the break 5-0 ahead, with Marlie Packer making a try-saving tackle on Sene Naoupu in one of the final plays of the half.
‘It gives us a springboard now’
England head coach Simon Middleton was delighted with his side’s performance but insists his side will now concentrate on getting even better.
“The difference between winning and not winning this match would have been huge,” said Middleton.
“It gives us a springboard now and it keeps our winning mentality going. It also gives us confidence that what we’re doing is right. We know we can get better, fitter and stronger.
“That will be our next focus, but to come here to the lions den and beat a side that are going to be hosting the World Cup is massive for us. I’m absolutely thrilled.”
