England 27 Ireland 0:Ireland were unable to contain a powerful England side who were comprehensive 27-0 winners in their opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup at Surrey Sports Park this evening.
Tries from England’s Fiona Pocock and Katherine Merchant had Philip Doyle's side 12-0 down at half-time and had it not been for Ireland’s defence the deficit could have been greater.
Irish fullback Niamh Briggs missed penalty and drop goal attempts and centre Lynne Cantwell was dangerous with ball in hand. However England surged further ahead with second half tries from Amy Turner and Maggie Alphonsi to secure a bonus point win for the tournament hosts.
England: Danielle Waterman; Katherine Merchant, Emily Scarratt, Rachael Burford, Fiona Pocock; Katy McLean, Amy Turner; Rochelle Clark, Amy Garnett, Sophie Hemming, Becky Essex, Joanna McGilchrist, Heather Fisher, Maggie Alphonsi, Catherine Spencer (capt). Replacements used: Claire Purdy for Clark, Emma Layland for Garnett, Sarah Hunter for Fisher, Charlotte Barras for Merchant, Tamara Taylor for Essex, Alice Richardson for Burford (all 62 mins), La Toya Mason for Turner (72).
Ireland: Niamh Briggs; Amy Davis, Joanne O'Sullivan, Lynne Cantwell, Nora Stapleton; Helen Brosnan, Tania Rosser; Fiona Coghlan (capt), Gillian Bourke, Louise Austin, Kate O'Loughlin, Marie Louise Reilly, Orla Brennan, Claire Molloy, Joy Neville. Replacements used: Shannon Houston for Cantwell, Yvonne Nolan for Austin (both 62 mins), Sinead Ryan for Neville (75), Laura Guest for Coghlan (80+1). Not used: Carol Staunton, Louise Beamish, Mairead Kelly.
Scorers: England: Tries: Fiona Pocock, Katherine Merchant, Amy Turner, Maggie Alphonsi; Cons: Katy McLean 2; Pen: Katy McLean
Referee: Sarah Corrigan (Australia)