England A hand Ireland XV a thrashing in Thomond Park

England A delivered a ruthless performance to dismantle an Ireland XV 52-14 at Thomond Park, flexing English rugby’s vast depth in what was a one-sided ‘A’ international played in wet Limerick conditions.

The men in white heaped more misery on Irish rugby in what was a difficult 24 hours for the union following a one-sided Six Nations loss to France in the Paris. Watched by Andy Farrell and members of the senior Ireland coaching group, the hosts showed flashes of promise but were ultimately overwhelmed by an England A side whose tempo, accuracy and physicality told across all facets of the game.

Leading 24-14 at the break, the visitors accelerated clear after half-time to complete a commanding eight-try victory.

England set the tone early, dominating territory and possession through a well-drilled pack marshalled superbly by captain Ethan Roots.

The Exeter Chiefs back row drove over from close range for the opening try on nine minutes, with Billy Searle adding the conversion.

Searle then crossed himself after sustained pressure on the short side, before Ireland briefly found a foothold through Brian Gleeson, the big No.8 finished off a period of forward momentum following repeated penalties inside the English 22.

However, England’s ability to punch holes at pace proved decisive.

Leicester Tigers winger Ollie Hassell-Collins finished smartly in the left corner after slick interplay between Jamie Blamire and Orlando Bailey, and scrum-half Harry Randall capped an outstanding first-half display with a sniping try from the base of a ruck.

Ireland’s second score, a lively finish from debutant winger Joshua Kenny after a clever hack ahead from James Hume, ensured Cullie Tucker’s side trailed by just 10 points at the interval.

Any hopes of an Irish comeback evaporated early in the second half when Fineen Wycherley was shown a yellow card. England were quick to capitalise. Tighthead prop George Kloska powered over before Hassell-Collins added his second moments later as the visitors stretched clear.

Ireland continued to show endeavour, with replacement Cathal Forde unlucky to see a fine solo effort ruled out, but errors at key moments and England’s relentless gainline success proved costly.

Further tries from Cadan Murley and Roots completed the rout, with Searle and replacement Charlie Atkinson keeping the scoreboard ticking over from the tee.

For Ireland, there were encouraging individual moments from Kenny, Gleeson and Ulster lock Charlie Irvine, but this was a sobering night for the men in green.