Red Roses storm to record-breaking win

By Andrew Baldock
15/9/22

England continued their World Cup preparations in landmark fashion as they crushed Wales 73-7 at Ashton Gate.

It was the Red Roses’ 25th successive victory – a feat no Test nation, male or female, had previously accomplished.

They are unbeaten since July 2019, and Sarah Hunter’s team will open their World Cup campaign against Fiji in Auckland on October 8 as clear tournament favourites.

England - who included Exeter Chiefs newcomer Claudia MacDonald in their squad - produced another dominant display in front of an 11,600 crowd, never looking back following first-half tries for centres Helena Rowland and Emily Scarratt, flanker Marlie Packer and full-back Ellie Kildunne.

Scarratt kicked three conversions, while there was also a penalty try after Wales had briefly hauled themselves level through a Gwen Crabb touchdown converted by Elinor Snowsill.

The second half was a similar tale of dominance, as further scores followed for Rowland – who completed her hat-trick with two more tries – Scarratt, Zoe Aldcroft, substitutes Amy Cokayne and Hannah Botterman, with two additional Scarratt conversions giving her a 20-point haul, while Rowland added two conversions and Amber Reed one.