England smash Ireland in front of record crowd at Welford Road

England produced another dominant display as they defeated Ireland 69-0 in front of a record crowd at Welford Road.

The victory sets up a winner takes all game on ‘Super Saturday’ against France in Bayonne.

The 15,836 Welford Road fans surpassed the record of 14,689 for a ticketed England home game set in Gloucester.

Depleted Ireland’s brave defence kept England to two tries in the first half.

The Red Roses came out stronger after the break, rewarding the crowd with another nine tries to set up a Grand Slam decider in France on Saturday.

England’s Emily Scarratt celebrated her 100th cap in her home town of Leicester with 10 points from the tee.

What a moment for Emily Scarratt and Leanne Infante 🙌🙌#ENGvIRE | #RedRoses pic.twitter.com/QHrIoSfoQp

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) April 24, 2022

It is a 22nd victory in a row for world number ones England as they chase a fourth successive Six Nations title before October’s World Cup.

England: Rowland; Thompson, Scarratt, Aitchison, Breach; Harrison, Infante; Cornborough, Davies, Bern, Aldcroft, Ward, Matthews, Packer, Hunter (capt).

Replacements: Cokayne, Botterman, Muir, Galligan, Cleall, Hunt, Reed, Kildunne.

Ireland: Scuffil-McCabe; Doyle, Naoupu, Breen, Considine; Cronin, Dane; Djougang, Jones, Haney; Fryday (capt), McDermott; Wall, McMahon, O’Connor.

Replacements: Hooban, Pearse, O’Dwyer, Moore, Og O’Leary, Reilly, Claffey, Byrne.