England women edge to Ireland win at Twickenham Stoop

Ireland women will defend their Six Nations title in March

Women's Rugby World Cup champions England beat Ireland 8-3 thanks to a late try at Twickenham Stoop.

Six Nations holders Ireland were competing in the autumn internationals for the first time, while England lost 11-0 against France last weekend in the first of their two matches.

The hosts were 3-0 ahead at half-time through Lauren Cattell's penalty, before captain Niamh Briggs levelled.

But Izzy Noel-Smith touched down from a driving maul to win it late on.

England women: Sarah Mckenna; Katie Mason, Lauren Cattell, Ceri Large, Charlotte Clapp; Emily Scott, La toya Mason; Rochelle Clarke, Emma Croker, Justine Lucas; Tamara Taylor, Abbie Scott; Hannah Gallagher, Marlie Packer, Sarah Hunter (C)

Replacements: Amy Cokayne, Vickii Cornborough, Heather Kerr, Harriet Millar-Mills, Izzy Noel-Smith, Leanne Riley, Rachel Lund, Ruth Laybourn

Ireland: Niamh Briggs (C); Jeamie Deacon, Aine Donnelly, Jackie Shiels, Mairead Coyne; Sene Naoupu, Larissa Muldoon; Ruth O'Reilly, Cliodhna Moloney, Ailis Egan; Elaine Anthony, Ciara Cooney; Sophie Spence, Paula Fitzpatrick, Heather O'Brien

Replacements: Zoe Grattage, Fiona Reidy, Fiona O'Brien, Katie Norris, Lindsay Peat, Mary Healy, Nora Stapleton, Claire McLaughlin