Red Roses claim bonus-point win against Wales
The Red Roses scored 11 tries to claim a 12-67 win over Wales in front of a record crowd of 21,186 for a standalone women's game at the Principality Stadium in the second round of the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations.
England’s tries came from Megan Jones, Sarah Bern, two-a-piece from Maddie Feaunati, Abby Dow and Abi Burton, and a hat-trick from Ellie Kildunne, topped up by 12 points from Zoe Harrison’s boot. Wales’ came from Jenni Scoble, Kate Williams and a conversion from Keira Bevan.
Wales came out strong, entering the England 22 within the first minute. Stretching their play the width of the pitch they put the visitors under pressure. A quick tap and go from Georgia Evans brought Wales to within metres of their try line, but a swift turn over from Sadia Kabeya turned the tables.
However the England opportunity did not last long. A dropped ball from Harrison in the dead ball area gave Wales a scrum metres from the try-line which saw Scoble power over the white line on minute six. Bevan converted to give them an early seven-point lead.
England responded minutes later. A line out and trick play pass to Feaunati saw the number eight storm the final stretch of the pitch to claim their first try. A try of epic speed soon followed as Jones sprinted half the pitch, beating three defenders. Harrison successfully converted both to give them a 7-14 lead.
Halfway into the first half and England further extended their lead. After multiple opportunities to cross the line, a well-executed set piece allowed Bern to crash over the line under the posts. Harrison added the extras.
Five minutes later and it seemed England would claim their fourth try. An over-the-top pass from Kildunne to Dow and inside offload to Jess Breach saw the number 11 cross the whitewash, but the TMO determined a forward pass and the try was disallowed.
Hope was not lost as England claimed their bonus point minutes later. The backs worked the ball to the left corner, before a recycled ball found Feaunati who scored her second try. Harrison was unable to convert.
Wales had a series of penalties in the final 10 minutes of the first half. However they were unable to capitalise on the advantage and finished 7-26 at the break.
Both teams came back determined at the resumption, with each side taking turns attacking in their 22, but England scored first. Metres from the try-line a recycled ball made its way to Harrison whose skilful over-the-top pass found Kildunne on the left wing to score on her 50th cap. Harrison added the extras, pushing England to 33 points.
The next five minutes saw Kildunne claim a hat-trick. Clever work from the forwards left the backs open and a quick two passes from a recycled ball on the try-line saw her cross for a second time. The next came moments later after Breach kicked a grubber kick through the Welsh defence which was regathered by Kildunne for her third try. Harrison was unable to convert either of the tries.
Almost halfway into the second half Wales worked the ball from a scrum to Carys Cox who carried to the try line before a quick inside offload to Williams to score. Unable to add the extras the score remained 12-43.
Wales continued in their attack, having multiple chances to score but again England were able to clear. With just over 10 minutes until full time England scored their eighth try via Dow. A crossfield kick from Harrison on the halfway line dropped perfectly into the hands of Dow on the right wing who sprinted over the white line. Harrison did not convert.
A few minutes after she came on the pitch Burton scored on her debut. From a quick ball, Burton showed her power to crash over from close range. Harrison added the extras extending their lead to 43 points.
Less than five minutes until full time and England topped their tries up to 10. Another maul on the try-line saw a recycled ball from Lucy Packer to Dow to take her second try of the game. Harrison did not convert with the ball bouncing off the upright.
While the clock went in the red the game was not over for England. An offload from Maud Muir to Burton saw her score for the second time. Harrison added the extras finishing the game 12-67.
Match highlights
