Kildunne, Dow hat-tricks help England hammer Ireland in Women's Six Nations

Full-back Ellie Kildunne and winger Abby Dow scored three tries each as Women's Six Nations holders England hammered Ireland 88-10 at Twickenham on Saturday.

The hosts crossed for 14 tries in front of more than 48 000 people, setting up a potential decider against France on 27 April.

England fell short of their record Six Nations win, the 89-0 victory over Scotland in 2011, but kept their unbeaten run in the tournament this season alive after successes over Italy, Wales and Scotland.

Les Bleues can keep their title hopes on track by beating Wales on Sunday, before hosting England in Bordeaux later this month.

"No discredit to Ireland, but we really turned it on when we needed to," player of the match Kildunne told the BBC.

"It became running rugby, everyone knew their role - it was enjoyable," the 24-year-old added.

England have won the past five Six Nations, with only France able to compete with them in the competition and they were on their way to 28th straight victory in the tournament as Dow crossed after just six minutes.

The hosts then raced to a 38-3 lead at the break as Dow scored a 30-minute double.

DOW HAT-TRICK

The hosts, coached by former All Blacks boss John Mitchell with an eye on next year's Rugby World Cup on home soil, reached the 50-mark before Ireland claimed a consolation score with a penalty try.

Dow, 26, then claimed her hat-trick by the 63rd minute before Kildunne wrapped her contributions with six minutes to play.

"We have a real drive in our team right now," Dow told the BBC.

"We will never take our foot of the gas and we always want to do more," she added.

In Saturday's late game, Scotland defeated Italy 17-10.