Red Roses win in France for the first time since 2012
The Red Roses began their autumn series with a 20-10 win against France in Clermont-Ferrand.
Playing their first game since coming second in the Women’s Super Series in San Diego in the summer, England won in France for the first time since 2012 in front of the passionate home support of Clermont Auvergne’s Sports Marcel Michelin.
In bright sunshine in central France, after a frantic opening 10 minutes the hosts were ahead through the boot of Jessy Tremouliere when she rewarded their opening dominance of territory.
Following a Marlie Packer penalty turnover, newly-crowned World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year Emily Scarratt knocked over a central penalty from 30 metres out.
After a succession of driving mauls near the French line, it was the Red Roses who got the first try of the game when captain Sarah Hunter crashed over from a powerful forward effort.
England’s momentum continued from that opening try and a succession of pick and go’s around the fringes by the forwards saw Hunter go over with help from Sarah Beckett to establish a 17-3 half-time lead.
After the break saw both teams on top when it came to defence, but Marlie Packer’s yellow card saw France get their first try as a break down the blindside was finished by Camille Boudaud.
England were 20-10 ahead with eight minutes to go when Scarratt knocked over her second penalty and the impressive display was closed out for a memorable win.
It was an impressive performance to start the first of three Tests this November for Simon Middleton’s side with France having won 17 of their 18 home games before the match. England face Les Blues again next week at Sandy Park, Exeter before ending their 2019 games against Italy at Goldington Road, Bedford.
Forward power
It was England’s pack in particular who impressed against Les Bleus, with captain Hunter leading from the front with her 27th and 28th international tries.
Abbie Scott and Zoe Aldcroft both stole French ball at lineouts throughout the game with Sarah Beckett bringing relentless energy to defence and at the breakdown, where Packer was also a continued nuisance for attackers in blue.
The finishers in the pack brought with them fresh energy and saw England able to close out the game for a first win on French soil in seven years.
Reaction
Head coach Simon Middleton: “The biggest thing was the character and our desire.
“We talked about winning in environments like this and performing well enough to get a result because in two years’ time [Women’s Rugby World Cup] we will be going right into the lion’s den and this is as close as that type of environment you’re likely to experience."
Captain Sarah Hunter: “It wasn’t pretty at times but we knew that before. A packed crowd and France playing at home is always a difficult proposition.
“It was a true Test match where we had to ride a few storms out there and find a way to dig out and put some points on and get the victory.”
Scoring
France – Tries: Boudaud Cons: Tremouliere Pens: Tremouliere
England – Tries: Hunter 2 Cons: Scarratt 2 Pens: Scarratt 2
Teams
France
15 Jessy Tremouliere, 14 Caroline Boujard, 13 Camille Boudaud, 12 Gabrielle Vernier, 11 Marine Menager, 10 Caroline Drouin, 9 Pauline Bourdon; 1 Annaelle Deshayes, 2 Agathe Sochat, 3 Clara Joyeux, 4 Lenaig Corson, 5 Safi N’Diaye, 6 Marjorie Mayans, 7 Gaelle Hermet, 8 Romane Menager.
Replacements
16 Caroline Thomas,17 Dhia Traore,18 Chloe Pelle, 19 Celine Ferer, 20 Julie Annery, 21 Laure Sansus, 22 Morgane Peyronnet, 23 Ian Jason.
England
15 Sarah McKenna, 14 Abby Dow, 13 Emily Scarratt, 12 Zoe Harrison, 11 Jess Breach, 10 Katy Daley-Mclean, 9 Leanne Riley; 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Lark Davies, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Zoe Aldcroft, 5 Abbie Scott, 6 Sarah Beckett, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Sarah Hunter (C).
Finishers
16 Heather Kerr, 17 Ellena Perry, 18 Shaunagh Brown, 19 Poppy Cleall, 20 Vicky Fleetwood, 21 Natasha Hunt, 22 Emily Scott, 23 Lydia Thompson.
Red Roses’ autumn fixtures
- Saturday 9 November - France Women 10-20 England Women
- Saturday 16 November - Quilter International: England Women v France Women
Sandy Park, Exeter (KO 1310 GMT, live on Sky Sports Mix and Action) - Saturday 23 November - Quilter International: England Women v Italy Women
Goldington Road, Bedford (KO 1500 GMT live on EnglandRugby.com and England Rugby social channels)
