England were convincing winners over Ireland on Wednesday (©GettyImages). England Women reached their fourth World Cup final in a row after a convincing 40-7 victory over Ireland in Paris on Wednesday.
Two tries from Marlie Packer and one each from Rochelle Clark, Kay Wilson and Kat Merchant sealed their place in the final, where they will meet Canada.
Proud
The win ensures a chance to finally lift a trophy that has been dominated in recent years by New Zealand, who suffered defeat to Ireland earlier in the tournament.
Captain Katy Mclean - who is a school teacher by trade - told BBC Radio Five Live: "Ireland have a fantastic defence but today it was about England being clinical.
"That game wasn't easy and we had to turn up. The players absorbed it, dealt with it and performed. I'm so proud of those girls out there.
"We have an amazing feeling around the squad."
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Tries from Clark and Marchant saw England race into an 18-7 lead over Ireland before a brutal second period saw the Red Rose women rack up 22 unanswered points, in which Packer added two tries and Lichfield centre Emily Scarratt kicked three penalties and a conversion.
That gave England a comfortable progression to their fifth final, while opponents Canada will be competing at this stage of a World Cup for the first time.
The two sides drew 13-13 in the group stage but coach Gary Street remains confident there won't be a repeat of that scoreline in Sunday's final.
"We tensed up last time out against Canada. We felt the pressure," he admitted.
"This is my second World Cup final as coach. We need to get better again.
"There is no big surprise. We knew we had a big performance in us."
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