England produced a second half comeback to beat Ireland 29-13 in Dublin on Friday to bounce back from their surprise loss to Wales two weeks ago which ended their hopes of a fourth successive RBS Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam.
Ireland had gone in leading 13-5 at half-time with tries from wing Amy Davis and captain Joy Neville cancelling out an effort from Emily Scarratt, but England took control with Fran Matthews crossing twice along with captain Catherine Spencer and Fiona Pocock to keep alive their title hopes.
“Ireland gave us a really hard game tonight,” admitted England head coach Gary Street. “We knew they'd be strong and they certainly showed that in the first half. However, we showed enormous self-belief tonight and real intensity to come back in the second half and dominate.
"Our ambition to retain our Six Nations crown is still alive. Our hat is still in the ring. Wales have still got some tough games to come, including France on Saturday so we have still got a fighting chance."
There will be no Grand Slam to savour in 2009 as Wales, the only other unbeaten side besides Ireland going into round three, saw their own hopes of a clean sweep crushed by France following a 27-5 defeat in Montauban on Saturday to leave Jason Lewis’ side still seeking a first ever win on French soil.
Scotland off the mark
France were simply determined not to surrender that proud record and went in at half-time leading 17-0 following tries from second row Clotilde Flaugere and Laetitia Salles. Things got worse for Wales soon after the restart with Flaugere crossing for her second try of the match.
Wales captain Mellissa Berry tried to rally her troops, but the damage had already been done and despite a try from Non Evans – whose penalty had secured a first ever win over England in 22 years of trying last time out – it was France who had final say with Laetitia Esteve’s late try.
Scotland meanwhile came out on top in the battle of the two winless sides, although only after coming from behind to beat Italy 13-10 at Meggetland thanks to Tanya Griffith's second try of the match.
Italy had actually taken the lead in the 19th minute when Licia Stefan scored the opening try, which fly half Veronica Schiavon converted to give her side a 7-5 lead at half time after Griffith responded for Scotland.
Schiavon extended that lead with another penalty, but ultimately Griffith's try and conversion by Louise Dalgleish gave Scotland the lead for the first time on the day and ultimately the victory after defeats by Wales and France.
