England score eight tries to crush Ireland

England have thrashed Ireland to take their second win at the Rugby League World Cup.

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Ryan Hall put the host nation ahead less than two minutes into the match, stealing the ball away from their opponents before finding the left corner of the try line.

The winger continued to stretch the Irish defence in the first half, completing his hat-trick after 21 minutes, while Tom Briscoe also grabbed a brace, before Sam Tomkins burst through to set up Brett Ferres.

Ireland defended well for the first 15 minutes of the second half, while England struggled to maintain their intensity from the first half, but Kallum Watkins managed to dive over in the 55th minute.

Watkins's try gave England a renewed focus, allowing Tomkins to provide Rangi Chase with a kick down field.

Damian Blanch had a chance to get some points on the board for Ireland late on, but he fumbled his catch, resulting in a knock on.