In a compelling showdown at Leicester, England’s women’s rugby team delivered a resounding victory over Scotland, winning 59 to 7 in a match that saw the Red Roses scoring a remarkable nine tries. This dominant performance not only reinforced England’s status as a formidable contender but also set the stage for an upcoming Grand Slam decider against France. The match has drawn considerable attention as it paves the way for the culmination of the Women’s Six Nations tournament, which has heightened the stakes already ahead of a crucial home Rugby World Cup commencing in August.
From the outset, England established a commanding presence on the field. The match saw prop Kelsey Clifford breaking the deadlock early, scoring the first of six tries within a dominant first half. The Red Roses, under the guidance of head coach John Mitchell, were relentless, executing their game plan effectively right from the kick-off. Flanker Marlie Packer swiftly followed with a try, marking her return after being sidelined, and captain Zoe Aldcroft, wing Claudia MacDonald, and lock Abbie Ward also contributed to an ever-growing scoreboard.
Half-time saw the game take a staggering turn, ending with England leading 42-0— a significantly improved margin when compared to their previous match, where they led only 7-5 against Ireland at the break. The squad’s varied scoring capabilities were highlighted by the number of players who crossed the line, demonstrating the collective strength of the team. MacDonald, who displayed a brilliant performance throughout, secured her second try early in the second half.
The only blip for England came when Scotland’s Lisa Thomson managed to score a try, breaking up a potential shutout. England’s Abby Dow however, clinched the match with two additional tries, including a brilliant solo effort that left fans cheering, bringing the crowd of 15,530 to their feet as the final whistle marked the end of a thrilling encounter.
This victory means the Red Roses are not only hunting for their fourth consecutive Grand Slam but are also on track for a seventh Six Nations title in a row. Meanwhile, Scotland savored only their solitary try in a difficult match. The team, having ended last year’s championship in fourth, will host Ireland in a bid to improve their season outcomes after managing just one victory against Wales.
Although England’s previous record against Scotland had seen the Red Roses enjoying an enviable 23-game winning streak, many believed this matchup would be no different, especially with Scotland having suffered a defeat in their last outing against Italy. As the match unfolded, it became apparent that England’s depth and quality were on full display. Young players, such as Clifford scoring her first international try last week, were crucial assets to the squad. Their performance highlighted the promising future of women’s rugby in England, alongside the seasoned players who have continually contributed to the national team’s success.
In the aftermath of this remarkable match, the team lineups featured key players, such as Kildunne, Dow, Jones, and MacDonald for England, while Scotland fielded Rollie, Lloyd, and Thomson among others. The Italian referee Clara Munarini presided over the match and TMO Matteo Liperini ensured technological oversight, contributing to the smooth flow of the game.
As anticipation builds for the showdown against France, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if England can maintain their dominance and claim another title. Scotland, meanwhile, aims to regain momentum as they prepare to face a tough Irish side, hoping to capitalize on any opportunities presented in their last fixtures of the season. The excitement surrounding the Women’s Six Nations and the upcoming Rugby World Cup continues to build, showcasing the growing popularity and competitiveness of women’s rugby.