England Triumphs Over France in Rugby Friendly at Kingsholm Stadium
England (19) 38
Tries: M Packer, Breach (2), Rowland, Talling, L Packer
Conversions: Aitchison (4)
France (0) 19
Tries: Sochat, R Menager, Bourdon Sansus
Conversions: Tuy (2)
England kicked off their preparations for the WXV1 tournament with a dominant 38-19 victory over Six Nations rivals France at Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester. In their first match since securing a third consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam in April, the Red Roses put on a clinical display, scoring six tries and extending their winning streak over France to 14 games.
Strong Start for England The match began with England’s captain, Marlie Packer, scoring the first try, setting the tone for the game. Jess Breach and Helena Rowland followed up with tries of their own, giving England a commanding 19-0 lead by halftime.
After the break, Morwenna Talling added to England’s tally with a try from a driving maul, but France responded with their first points through Agathe Sochat, who also scored from a maul.
Late Action from Both Sides Breach secured her second try of the game, and Lucy Packer crossed the line to widen England’s lead. Despite the deficit, France fought back late in the match with tries from Romane Menager and Pauline Bourdon Sansus, but it wasn’t enough to challenge England’s dominance.
Looking Ahead England will next face world champions New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday. The match is part of their final preparations before heading to Canada for the WXV1 tournament, with their ultimate goal being to win the World Cup on home soil next summer.
England’s Line-Up:
Kildunne; Dow, Rowland, Heard, Breach; Aitchison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Aldcroft, Talling, Feaunati, M Packer, Matthews.
Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Carson, Bern, Campion, Cleall, L Packer, Harrison, Scarratt.
France’s Line-Up:
Jacquet; Banet, Konde, M Menager, Boulard; Tuy, Chambon; Brosseau, Sochat, Khalfaoui, M Feleu (capt), Fall, Escudero, Gros, R Menager.
Replacements: Bigot, Mwayembe, Bernadou, Ikahehegi, Okemba, T Feleu, Bourdon Sansus, Vernier.
With the Red Roses eyeing further success, all attention now turns to their upcoming clash with New Zealand as they build momentum for the bigger challenges ahead.
