England Women 38 v 33 France
By HQ
April 30 2023
England scored six tries to secure a TikTok Women's Six Nations Grand Slam in their first ever standalone fixture at Twickenham Stadium in front of a record-breaking crowd. 58,498 fans packed into the Twickenham stands to witness history in the making, 20 years on since Maxine Edwards led out the side against France in 2003. Four first half tries from Abby Dow, Marlie Packer, Alex Matthews, Zoe Aldcroft and one penalty try gave the hosts a commanding lead at the break. France responded through Emilie Boulard, Gabrielle Vernier, Charlotte Escudero, Emeline Gros and Cyrielle Banet in the second half, but Lark Davies' try made the difference in a pulsating fixture at the home of England rugby.
Simon Middleton's charges had their work cut out for them in the opening exchanges as France came out firing from kick off. Jessy Tremouliere opted for the sticks after an early penalty, but the ball flew wide of the posts to keep the scores.
England struggled to find an exit from their 22 as France continued to pile on the pressure, but an electric break from Helena Rowland in the 17th minute created the space for Dow to score on the right wing and break the deadlock.
This seemed to ignite the hosts' fire as their attacking flair began to show. A second try soon came through the hands of captain Packer, the who powering over the line under the sticks.
Tremouliere was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on in her own 22 and the resulting scrum punished the visitors as Matthews piled over from the base for England's third. France were shown a second yellow for a Rose Bernadou infringement close to the line, with referee Aimee Barrett-Theron awarding a penalty try to the Red Roses.
Aldcroft's converted try on the cusp of half time sent her team to the changing room with a commanding 33-0 lead after a 40-minute spell which saw England make 430 metres from 90 carries.
FIXTURES & RESULTS
Red Roses 38-33 France