📷- @bbcsport
Written by Amy Tuscher
The Red Roses secured a commanding 92-3 victory over Samoa at Franklin's Gardens, a win that cements their spot in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with a pool game still to play.
The performance was a testament to England's professional status and depth, as they ran in 14 tries with 11 different players crossing the whitewash.
The final scoreline, their highest ever in a World Cup match, highlights the significant gap between the two sides. However, while the win was never in doubt, the match was not without its challenges. The Samoan side, as anticipated, brought a ferocious physicality to the game, and their tackles were bone-crunching. This, combined with difficult, wet conditions, led to some handling errors for England.
Despite this, the Red Roses were clinical from the start, with Meg Jones crossing the line just three minutes in. Jones, who was promoted to the starting XV due to an injury to Emily Scarratt, had an outstanding game, scoring twice and consistently making her presence felt and was unlucky to not score a hat-trick herself.
Another standout performance was Jess Breach, who bagged her 50th, 51st and 52nd try for England with a hat-trick and showcased her blistering pace.
📷-@bbcsport
The Red Roses' dominance was evident across the pitch. Their scrum was a particular weapon, consistently demolishing their opponents and creating opportunities for their pack to score.
The performance of fly-half Helena Rowland was also noteworthy. She was rightfully named player of the match for her individual brilliance, which included a try and a total of 27 points—the most ever by an England player in a World Cup match.
While the scoreline may suggest a completely one-sided affair, Samoa did have moments to be proud of. They earned a huge cheer from the crowd when they won a scrum penalty against England's elite pack and managed to get on the scoreboard with a penalty kick in the second half. Their spirit and defensive commitment, despite the inevitable result, was a testament to their heart and determination.
In the end, it was a comprehensive and professional display from the Red Roses. They secured their quarter-final place, set new records, and demonstrated the incredible strength and depth of their squad, making a clear statement about their intentions for the rest of the tournament.
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