Ireland 54-5 Scotland: Ruthless Ireland beat Scotland in front of record crowd

Head coach Bemand said his side were “desperate to show the best version” of themselves during the first ever women’s singles rugby match at the Aviva and they certainly delivered.

Scotland were under pressure at the first whistle and conceded an early penalty, Moloney-McDonald managing to cross from a driving maul in the opening minutes.

O’Connor then danced around a series of blue shirts before finding space to touch down after neat build-up play from King and Wafer to extend the home side’s lead.

Wafer, who scored twice in the win over Wales in Belfast, continued his fine form and once again put Ireland ahead before forcing Hogan into the line as Ireland’s number eight.

The dream start continued with the bonus points secured on 20 minutes when Dana O’Brien sent over his conversion just for time in the action-packed half before King crossed from close range.

King’s try was Ireland’s 21st championship, a record for the team, but they did not give up and continued to punish a struggling Scotland.

A television match official (TMO) review disallowed the second Moloney-McDonald try as he was involved in a scuffle before picking up the ball.

However, moments later, Hooker took advantage of an overthrow and charged forward before dispatching Wafer for his fourth try of the campaign.

The away side continued to struggle to break out of their own 22 and conceded a number of penalties, with Flood able to take advantage of another when he displayed some lovely footwork to find space before diving over.

There was time for one more try before the break as Wafer was able to charge after a clever dummy to give Ireland a 47-0 lead at the break.

After Baymond made six changes at the start of the half, the pace of the match slowed, with Scotland unable to create any chances.

But O’Brien managed to add his seventh conversion before Hogan drove in just before the hour mark to add his second try of the afternoon.

Scotland pushed for a consolation try in the final five minutes through Ruth Campbell’s yellow card, with Sutcliffe saving the penalty for his first try in a blue shirt.