Written by Amy Tuscher
The Red Roses secured a commanding 40-6 victory over France in their final warm-up match before the Rugby World Cup.
England's Red Roses will be be buoyed heading into the tournament following successive wins in their warm up matches. A crushing win against Spain last week, winning 97-7 with the team showcasing their attacking prowess and depth and a crucial opportunity for players to stake their claim for a starting spot in that first World Cup match.
This match, played in Mont-de-Marsan, saw England's forward pack dominate, laying the foundation for a clinical performance.
From the outset, the Red Roses' powerful driving maul was a key weapon. The first half saw tries from Morwenna Talling, Amy Cokayne, and Maud Muir, all stemming from the pack's supremacy.
While France managed to score a couple of penalties from Morgane Bourgeois, they were largely unable to breach the English defence.
The second half was a more balanced affair, with France showing moments of attacking flair. However, poor discipline and handling errors stifled their progress. England, meanwhile, remained patient and effective, with Lark Atkin-Davies sealing the victory with two late tries, both from close range after sustained forward pressure.
This win marks the Red Roses' 16th consecutive victory over France, and their biggest win against their rivals in 15 years.
The performance, especially the forward dominance, will give head coach John Mitchell great confidence as his team prepares for the tournament.
The result against difficult opposition provides a perfect springboard for their upcoming Home World Cup campaign, which kicks off against the USA on August 22 at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
Images: INSTAGRAM @RedRoses
Add comment
Comments