Four-try second half restarts England's six nations

After the first forty minutes of this evening's international in Dublin, England's worst fears seemed confirmed. Ireland were dominant, and well deserving of their 13-5 lead. Ireland had roared away to a 10-0 lead, and although Emily Scarrett had scored a try to reduce the gap, a second penalty had increased Ireland's lead to eight points at the break.

But 40 minutes later it had all changed - and it is possibly not insignificant that it was one of England's Sevens team who turned things round, with Alice Richardson breaking the Irish defence with a "fantastic pass" (according to the RFUW website) to allow 

Fran Matthews through. With the try converted England were within one point of the Irish. A few minutes later, Matthews crossed the line again following a scrum turnover  and England were ahead.

Captain Catherine Spencer extended the lead shortly afterwards, and finally Fiona Pocock touched down in the 70th minute to round off a devastating 24 points in 22 minutes that sees England back on top of the table, and back in the chase for the Six Nations. All eyes now turn to Montauban tomorrow where Wales defend the only remaining 100% record in this year's championship.

RFUW match report

IRFU match report

Pictures from the match