The holders scored ten tries in the rout at Billings Park in Dublin as they maintained their place at the top of Pool B with one match remaining.

Emily Scarratt, Danielle Waterman and Lydia Thompson all crossed the whitewash twice each as the Italians were blown away.

Alex Matthews, Tamara Taylor, Amy Wilson-Hardy and Amy Cokayne were also try scorers with England now moving to the brink of the semi-finals.

Only three of the tries were converted, however, with the boot of Scarratt adding the extras twice and Amber Reed slotting a kick of her own.

England's 10 tries matched the number they scored in their opening 56-5 win over Spain.

They must now beat the United States to ensure they top the group and go through to the semi-finals as pool winners.

Only the three pool winners, and the best runners-up, will earn a place in the last four at the tournament.

The Americans also made it two wins from two today as they beat Spain 43-0 at the UCD Bowl in Dublin.

In Pool A, New Zealand demolished Hong Kong 121-0 at Billings Park.

They sit top after two bonus point victories, with Canada now second.

The Canadians, runners-up at the previous edition in France in 2014, are yet to concede a point at the competition after beating Wales 15-0, also at Billings Park.

Hosts Ireland suffered a scare in Pool C as Japan raced into a 14-0 lead at half-time at the UCD Bowl.

The Japanese conceded 72 points in their opening defeat to France but were on course for a shock until the home side hit back to win 24-14.

They now sit second with two victories but France have a two point lead as both of their wins have come with a bonus point.

The French today beat Australia 48-0 at the UCD Bowl to condemn their opponents to a second loss. 

The final group matches are all due to be played on Thursday (August 17), with the top two clashing in each pool to decide who automatically reaches the last four.