Women’s Six Nations: England go four from four with win over Ireland while Scotland end drought against Italy

England continued their push for a Grand Slam as they beat Ireland 48-0 in the Women’s Six Nations, but a scrappy performance took the shine off the result.

Simon Middleton’s outfit had secured the bonus point in an opening period that produced tries for Sarah Beckett, Tatyana Heard, Ellie Kildunne, Marlie Packer and Morwena Talling, but they lost their way after the interval.

Ireland were emphatically beaten by Wales, France and Italy in the previous rounds but they made life difficult for England until falling away in the final 10 minutes at Musgrave Park in Cork.

The hosts’ set-piece was overwhelmed, yet they became the first team in the 2023 TikTok Six Nations to prevent the Red Roses from breaching the 50-point mark.

It took until the 71st minute to break the second-half stalemate when Amber Reed burrowed over from close range as pre-match fears of a 100-point mauling failed to materialise.

Number eight Alex Matthews added two late tries as a build-up of pressure in the final 10 minutes took its toll on the home defence.

For all the shortcomings evident in the penultimate round, England still made it four maximum five-point hauls as they secured a 23rd successive win the tournament.

Only France – who play Wales in Grenoble on Sunday – can stop the World Cup runners-up from clinching a fifth consecutive Six Nations title.

The victory came at a cost, however, with captain Packer and prop Hannah Botterman limping off through injury in the first half.

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Scotland claim first Women’s Six Nations win

In the later game, Scotland hooker Lana Skeldon crossed late on to end Italy’s resistance and secure a maiden win of the 2023 Women’s Six Nations.

The 29-21 victory in Edinburgh was Scotland’s first success in the tournament in 13 games and was sealed when the power of the home pack was rewarded with Skeldon’s second try of the afternoon.

The score came just three minutes after Italy prop Sara Seye was shown a red card for a high tackle.