England started their countdown to a World Cup on dwelling soil in spectacular style as they beat France 38-19 at Kingsholm.
The world’s quantity one-ranked group had been by no means troubled by their closest Six Nations rivals, making it 14 successive wins towards France.
Captain Marlie Packer and wing Jess Breach every two tries every, whereas centre Helena Rowland and scrum-half Lucy Packer additionally crossed, with Holly Aitchison kicking 4 conversions.
Helena Rowland’s strive was one in every of three within the first half by England
The Crimson Roses host New Zealand subsequent Saturday in a second preparation recreation for his or her WXV1 marketing campaign in Canada, earlier than all roads will result in subsequent yr’s World Cup after the 2025 Six Nations.
How England claimed convincing victory
France had their moments in entrance of a 7,500 crowd – notably by way of tries for hooker Agathe Sochat, quantity eight Romane Menager and substitute Pauline Bourdon Sansus, plus two Lina Tuy conversions – but England all the time had an additional gear.
England needed to soak up early strain, however they took an Eleventh-minute lead after sharp attacking play from full-back Ellie Kildunne gave her forwards a platform, and Packer touched down.
Aitchison added the conversion, and Kildunne was closely concerned in England’s second strive simply seven minutes later. She once more proved troublesome for the French defence to cease, earlier than recycled possession discovered its option to Packer and her fellow flanker Maddie Feanati highlighted a primary Check begin by sending Breach over within the nook.
France had been then architects of their very own downfall, with Sochat being yellow-carded for kicking the ball at a ruck, and England instantly arrange camp inside their opponents’ 22 as Rowland crossed for strive quantity three.
Rowland (centre) posted England’s third strive
The guests saved England out for the rest of Sochat’s spell off the pitch, but the Crimson Roses’ territorial dominance threatened one other strive earlier than half-time. They went shut, however a 19-0 interval benefit was simply reward for a efficiency that bristled with attacking intent, even when the execution was often missing.
France had been on the again foot once more simply three minutes after the break, although, as England drove a close-range lineout and Packer claimed her second strive, with Aitchison’s conversion opening up a 26-point lead.
Sochat then claimed an opportunist strive that Tuy transformed, however England had been in no temper to take a collective foot off the pedal and Breach completed impressively as they moved previous 30 factors halfway by way of the third quarter.
Menager and Bourdon Sansus scored late tries for France, but it surely was not more than comfort as England made it a case of job completed earlier than tackling the Black Ferns.
What’s subsequent?
The Crimson Roses host New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday, earlier than beginning their WXV 1 title defence later that month in Canada. England are in the identical group as america, New Zealand and Canada. Stream rugby union and extra with NOW.
Sky Sports activities+ has formally launched and might be built-in into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities prospects entry to over 50 per cent extra reside sport this yr at no additional value. Discover out extra right here.
