Red Roses secure bonus-point win over France
England Women made it two bonus-point wins from two in the 2019 Women's Six Nations as they beat France 41-26 at Castle Park in Doncaster.
After Sarah McKenna was held up over the line, a break down the wing from Kelly Smith was quickly recycled for Poppy Cleall to hit a short line and power over.
Despite prop Vickii Cornborough being shown a yellow card, England scored again with a player less when Emily Scarratt's clever grubber bounced up perfectly for the onrushing Smith to gather and sprint clear.
England were not done before half-time, when McKenna's superb line break set up Breach for her second as she dived over in the corner as the bonus-point was secured before the break.
France responded in the opening stages of the second half when Safi N'Diaye got their first points, but some strong forward work close to the line saw England respond and Cleall crossed for her second.
An excellent break from France scrum half Pauline Bourdon gave the visitors hope, before Red Rose replacement Hannah Botterman finished a series of pick and drives and then Catherine O'Donnell went over in the corner for England's seventh. But Romane Menager crossed in the final play of the game to secure a losing bonus-point.
500 up
The Red Roses all-time top points scorer Katy Daley-Mclean passed 500 international point in Doncaster when she converted Breach's early score, from which she provided the assist with the kick.
Only Jonny Wilkinson and Owen Farrell are ahead of the fly half in England’s all-time point scorers, with team mate Emily Scarratt behind her on 434 points.
The Loughborough Lightning number 10 put in an excellent kicking performance out of hand throughout, and is now up to 505 points after her six points during the game.
Reaction
England head coach Simon Middleton: “That was a massive win for us and I was really pleased with how we came out and attacked and kept our discipline. We let France in during the second half but that only shows what a world-class side they are.
“We are not the finished article yet and there is plenty still for us to work on. Tonight we will let ourselves celebrate a great win but there is no place for complacency.”
Teams
England
15. Sarah McKenna, 14. Jess Breach, 13. Emily Scarratt, 12. Tatyana Heard, 11. Kelly Smith, 10. Katy Daley-Mclean, 9. Leanne Riley; 1. Vickii Cornborough, 2. Lark Davies, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Catherine O’Donnell, 5. Abbie Scott, 6. Poppy Cleall, 7. Poppy Leitch, 8. Sarah Hunter (c).
Replacements 16. Amy Cokayne, 17. Hannah Botterman, 18. Shaunagh Brown, 19. Rowena Burnfield, 20. Sarah Beckett 21. Natasha Hunt, 22. Zoe Harrison, 23. Emily Scott.
France
15. Caroline Boujard 14. Lan Jason, 13. Marine Ménager 12. Gabrielle Vernier, 11. Lea Murie, 10. Camille Imart, 9, Pauline Bourdon; 1. Lise Arricastre, 2. Caroline Thomas, 3. Clara Joyeux, 4. Lenaig Corson, 5. Safi N’Diaye, 6. Gaelle Hermet (c), 7. Celine Ferer, 8. Romane Ménager.
Replacements: 16.Agathe Sochat, 17. Laure Traore, 18. Sabina Argagnon, 19. Audre Forlani, 20. Coumba Diallo, 21. Yanna Rivoalen, 22. Laurianne Lissar, 23. Doriane Constanty.
England Women 2019 Six Nations
Ireland 7-51 England
England 41-26 France
Wales v England
Sunday 24 February, KO 12.30pm GMT – live Sky Sports
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
England v Italy
Saturday 9 March, KO 12.05pm GMT - live Sky Sports
Sandy Park, Exeter
England v Scotland
Saturday 16 March, KO 7.30pm - live Sky Sports
Twickenham Stadium
