England got their Grand Slam hopes back on track, winning a 49-5 victory at Cork on Sunday, but they were working hard with a competitive first half performance from the hosts.
The victory brings a streak that won the Irish past England’s 10-year mark, but Red Rose’s first half struggle was a marked difference in how the first 40 minutes played out in an 88-10 defeat at last year’s championship.
England’s excellent fitness level was shown in the second term as they rattled six attempts to stop the enthusiasm of the home crowd.
The bonus point victory pioneered England over second place France ahead of the possibility of a title showdown in two weeks.
“It was really tough, especially the first half,” flyhalf Zoe Harrison told the BBC. “It was about being patient, Ireland’s defense was great, so they were credited. We needed to regain momentum.
“The halftime story changed how we think, it was calm and we talked about places that put pressure on ourselves.
After the first 25 minutes of the battle, when a sturdy defense frustrated the Red Rose, the host took the lead after Abby Costigan hit Abby Dow with a kick from Dana O’Brien, becoming the first Irish woman to face England in more than six years.
Red Rose returned nine minutes later when Morwena’s Tar finished the driving mall.
John Mitchell’s side was given a boost after the interval while Ireland was reduced to 14 women when Niam Odoud was repeatedly sent to Singh Bin for infringement.
But the England struggle was exposed when star fullback Ellie Kildinne was sent behind the Irish line via a delicate grabber kick from Jess Bleach, but World Rugby Player of the Year couldn’t grasp her bouncing ball.
For Fortnutally Kildunne, Harrison was able to add an England’s second afternoon attempt to nail the transformation he gets after breaking through the gap and touchdown.
After a 50-minute hard graft, England quickly added an afternoon third score, with Dow breaking the clear and diving to challenge Natasha Hunt.
Sarah Bern secured England’s bonus points as she passed the tired Irish body near the time mark before adding another attempt to the 67th minute.
Kildunne then made up for his previous handling errors by bringing O’Dowd to the past, and sprinting through Clear to add a fourth attempt at the championship.
Kelsey Clifford won her first international attempt at the closing stage, registering her seventh afternoon attempt.
“We actually enjoyed the test,” said England offensive coach Lou Meadows. “We needed it, but it’s good that the game has that first half. It’s about fixing it and we knew we had a good set piece.
“It’s something we worked on and the girl we really calmed down and came out and finished work. You need to keep it really simple.
Earlier on Saturday, France outperformed Wales in Brive’s, with Emily Boulard marking her return with two tries at fullback.
– Women’s Six Nations Full Fixture List