Six Nations Rugby: England thrash Ireland

Latest scores

Wales 33-37 France RES

England 45-11 Ireland 2.30pm

Tries: Wilkinson, Cohen, Greenwood (2), Worsley, Kay Tries: O'Gara

Cons: Wilkinson (6) Cons:

Pens: Wilkinson Pens: Humphreys (2)

DG: DG:

Italy 9-9 Scotland H/T

England 45 Ireland 11

Six Nations champions and title favourites England roasted Ireland in the Twickenham sunshine with a blistering first-half performance that saw Jonny Wilkinson, Ben Cohen, Will Greenwood and Joe Worsley all score tries.

Ireland were pinned in their own half for most of the opening period - two David Humphreys penalties gave them no real respite - as England wreaked revenge for the defeat and denial of the grand slam at Lansdowne Road in November.

There was still time for England to claim another try before the break, Thompson charging clear from a lineout and putting Worsley over in the corner, breaking centre Kevin Maggs’ tackle.

Referee Marshall again signalled for assistance from television official Didier Mene, and after what seemed an interminable delay, the try was awarded, removing the doubt that Worsley’s legs had been dragged into touch.

Wilkinson booted the conversion and England were 31-6 up and firmly on course to top the world rankings as Marshall’s half-time whistle sounded.

Ireland were in grave danger of suffering a record defeat against England - 46-6 was their previous worst loss at Lansdowne Road five years ago - and the second period had damage-limitation written all over it.

Ronan O’Gara appeared from the bench, Henderson going off, Humphreys moving to full-back and Girvan Dempsey switching to right wing, which summed up Ireland’s sense of desperation.

And it got worse for them just five minutes after the restart when Wilkinson’s pass changed the direction of England’s attack and Ben Kay sprinted 30 metres, crashing through would-be tacklers for his first Test try.

Wilkinson again converted, and England were home and dry, 38-6 clear with the prospect of more tries to come.

Shane Byrne replaced Frankie Sheahan at hooker and shortly afterward a rampant England then scored their sixth when Wilkinson’s shimmy through the first line of Irish defence sent Healey scooting clear, and he had all the time in the world to put Greenwood over for his second try, Wilkinson converting to make it 45-6.

Six tries in 27 minutes either side of half-time, and Ireland were heading for the record loss but respite came in the form of a Ronan O’Gara try. However, Humphreys failed to convert.

With a 45-11 lead to bask in, England boss Clive Woodward then made a triple substitution, sending on Danny Grewcock for Johnson, Lewis Moody instead of Hill and Iain Balshaw for Healey.

Ireland began to come into the game and threaten but O'Driscoll was turned over on the English tryline allowing Bracken to clear his lines.

England conceded three quick penalties and Ireland attacked but were thwarted by the English defence before Dennis Hickie lunged for the line with Jason Robinson doing just enough to deny him the try.

With 10 minutes to go Ireland were looking stronger and enjoyed their best period of possession but failed to take advantage of England’s penalty concessions and England finished 35 points to the good with October’s Lansdowne defeat well and truly avenged.