Women’s Six Nations: England keep title defence on track with Wales win, France overcome stubborn Scotland

England’s Women’s Six Nations title defence remained on track with a 46-10 victory against Wales.

A crowd of 19,705 attended the match at Ashton Gate, setting a new record for a Red Roses game outside of Twickenham.

John Mitchell made seven changes to his England team which defeated Italy 48-0, while Wales were aiming to bounce back from a narrow 20-18 loss to Scotland.

It was a good start for Wales, who took the lead after Lleucu George scored a penalty in front of the posts.

England quickly took control of the encounter, gaining a 5-3 lead as Maud Muir scored a try from an impressive Abby Dow break.

Zoe Aldcroft then extended the lead as she barrelled over the line after being found in space, with Holly Aitchison taking the score to 12-3 from the tee.

Wales kept pushing for a try, but they were caught out in the 23rd minute as Meg Jones broke clear and set up an England attack. Hannah Botterman eventually carried the ball over the line.

England then secured a bonus point and took a 24-3 lead on the brink of half-time, with Lark Atkin-Davies scoring a fourth try for The Red Roses.

The tries kept coming for England in the second half, with Ellie Kildunne and Dow touching down to put the hosts 34-3 up.

Wales finally got over the line through Keira Bevan, with George adding points from the conversion to make it 34-10.

That would be it in terms of points for the visitors, who were unable to prevent Rosie Galligan and Kildunne from adding to England’s score.

Kildunne’s try was particularly spectacular, with the full-back forcing the ball over the line despite intense pressure from two Welsh players.

It was a comfortable victory for England in the end, but Mitchell may be concerned about his team’s kicking - Aitchison scored just three of the eight tries converted.

France ground out a 15-5 victory against Scotland to maintain their unbeaten start to the Women’s Six Nations.

Both teams won their opening match of the tournament last weekend, but France travelled to Edinburgh Rugby Stadium for this weekend’s encounter as heavy favourites.

The French were unbeaten across their last 12 Women’s Six Nations matches against Scotland with 11 wins and one draw, and were 55-0 winners in the same fixture last year.

Scotland were unable to break their losing streak, but ensured the scoreline remained respectable this time.

France were on the scoreboard first after Lina Queyroi scored a penalty from a deliberate knock-on, with Helen Nelson squandering an opportunity to bring Scotland level just five minutes later by missing her own penalty.

The hosts put in an impressive defensive performance to prevent France from scoring again, and took a 5-3 lead shortly before half-time as Elis Martin powered over after a driving maul from a lineout.

Scotland were able to keep France out until the 54th minute, when Kelly Arbey received the ball out wide and touched down on the stretch. Queyroi missed the conversion, keeping France’s slim lead at three points.

There was another chance for Queyroi to extend the advantage in the 60th minute, but the inside centre’s penalty kick bounced off the post.

France were still only leading 8-5 as full-time neared, with the home crowd pushing Scotland to snatch a last-minute victory.

But it was the visitors who finished the match with a flourish, despite resilient defending from Scotland.

Replacement Emeline Gros touched down in the final minute, with Queyroi scoring the resulting conversion.

Next up for Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations are defending champions England on Saturday, April 13, while France will host Italy on Sunday, April 14.

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