emphatic

And this was a night where Howe's players showed they belonged at Europe's top table with an emphatic away win, the club's first in the competition since 2003.

Even their most ardent fans though would not have expected victory by such an emphatic margin.

But just five days after their stunning 304-2 against South Africa on a record-breaking night in Manchester, a much-changed England began their reply in emphatic fashion before Ireland battled back for some late wickets.

Packer, the 111-cap flanker, has not played since being sent off in the emphatic World Cup warm-up win over Spain, where she again captained the side in Aldcroft's absence.

When I spoke with her over the weekend, her tone was measured, emphatic and resolute.