Rampant England on target for slam

HALF-TIME act Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s hit track Murder on the Dancefloor would have resonated heavily with Ireland as England ran riot in front of a huge crowd at Twickenham.

- BEN JAYCOCK

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.”