Women's Six Nations: Dominant England hammer Scotland in Leicester to set up Grand Slam decider with France
Published 19/04/2025 at 19:21 GMT+1
John Mitchell's Red Roses remain on course for a memorable Grand Slam in the Women's Six Nations after an emphatic victory over Scotland. Marlie Packer scored a 50th try for England and Abby Dow got the pick of the bunch with a stunning solo try as England set up a winner-takes-all clash with France next weekend. Both sides have won all four of their matches so far.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
England thrashed Scotland 59-7 in Leicester to set up a Grand Slam decider against France in the Women's Six Nations.
The Red Roses scored six tries in an imposing first-half display, ending the match as a contest with 40 minutes still to play.
It took just six minutes for the first try of the match, Kelsey Clifford powering over the line to give England an early lead.
It was clear from the off that Scotland would struggle with the hosts' physicality, and they fell further behind when Marlie Packer scored her 50th international try.
Moments later, England crossed the line again as they threatened to inflict a harrowing defeat on the visitors. This time it was Zoe Aldcroft, who intercepted a loose pass and raced clear unopposed.
A clever sidestep from Claudia MacDonald resulted in England's fourth try, which was duly converted by the impressively consistent Holly Aitchison from a difficult angle.
There was more to come in a dominant first half. Abbie Ward stretched over the line for a fifth try, before Lark Atkin-Davies got her name on the scoresheet just before the break.
Scotland would have been forgiven for capitulating at 42-0 with 40 minutes still to play, but there was some improvement in the second period.
England did add another try on 50 minutes through winger Claudia MacDonald, who proved too quick to catch, having been picked out by Packer.
But Scotland finally stopped the rot and began to gain some territory, culminating with a Lisa Thomson try after a strong maul.
That made the score more respectable for Scotland, but some of the edge had understandably gone from England's game, perhaps in an effort to preserve some energy for next weekend's showdown with France.
There was still time, though, for Abby Dow to score a superb solo try, beating three players on her way across the line. And she put the icing on the cake with another try shortly after, racing away from a dishevelled Scotland defence.
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France recover to beat Italy
It was less straightforward for France, who had to come from behind to beat Italy 34-21 in Parma.
The visitors were unexpectedly 21-12 down at half-time after tries from Vittoria Vecchini, Aura Muzzo, and Silvia Turani.
But Les Bleues reinstated their title credentials with a determined fightback after the break.
Romane and Marine Menager scored the decisive tries to turn the game on its head - helped by the kicking of Morgane Bourgeois - before Alexandra Chambon secured the victory late on.
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