Red Roses claim victory over France in Gloucester
The Red Roses ran six tries past Les Bleues to confirm a comfortable 38-19 win. Over 7,500 fans packed into Kingsholm Stadium as John Mitchell’s side showcased running rugby, with tries from Marlie Packer (2), Jess Breach (2), Helena Rowland and Lucy Packer - as well as eight points from the boot.
The Red Roses were forced to front up early, and put on an impressive defensive display, as the visitors threw multiple phases of attack at them inside the opening five minutes.
Momentum-shifting tackles from Alex Matthews and Zoe Aldcroft inspired the women in white to force turnovers however, and relieve pressure on their own line.
Captain Packer crossed for the game’s first try - her 47th - on the 10-minute mark, powering over from close range after the Red Roses had manipulated the French defence through smart running lines and metre-making breaks. Aitchison converted to make it 7-0.
Seven minutes later England shifted the ball from the middle of the pitch into the hands of Kildunne, who broke away down field before taking a tackle. Quick ball was generated from the resulting ruck and Maddie Feaunati - on her first Test start - was found in space, and some neat footwork from the flanker successfully committed the defence before she offloaded into the path of Breach, who went over unchallenged.
France hooker Agathe Sochat was shown a yellow card midway through the first half for kicking the ball out of Natasha Hunt’s hands at the base of a ruck, and England capitalised on the extra player immediately. The backs were given ball off the back of a 10-metre line out, and Rowland punched her way through a gap and went under the sticks. Aitchison’s extras made it 19-0.
And although France flirted with England’s line on the stroke of half-time, they were unable to capitalise on the promising position.
The Red Roses resumed the Test with a trademark rolling maul try two minutes into the second half - Packer the benefactor at the back of a 10-metre shunt. Aitchison dissected the posts with her touchline conversion, stretching the lead to 26 points.
France hit back immediately in the same manner, with different execution, as Sochat dummied at the back of the French maul causing Amy Cokayne to leave a gap, which the hooker duly sniped through to score. Fly-half Tuy added the extras.
Breach bagged her second - and England’s fifth - on 50 minutes, after receiving a fine pass from Aitchison before rounding Boulard and dotting down in the corner.
France showed incredible scrum power as the hour mark passed, walking England’s pack back 10 metres against the head, with number eight Romane Menager picking it and pouncing over for a try. Tuy’s conversion cut the deficit to 17 points.
Replacement scrum half Packer poached an easy try from one metre out, and Aitchison claimed her eighth point from the tee, as the game entered its final quarter.
Replacement Bourdon Sansus scampered over for a consolation try with 10 minutes remaining, as Zoe Harrison came on to earn her 50th Test cap, and Lilli Ives Campion her first.
The West Country win marked England's fourteenth consecutive win against France. Next up for the Red Roses is the World Champion Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday 14 September.
Match day squad
Replacements
