England: (33) 38 |
Tries: Dow, M Packer, Matthews, Penalty, Aldcroft, Davies; Cons: Rowland 3 |
France:(0) 33 |
Tries: Boulard, Vernier, Escudero, Gros, Banet; Cons: Tremouliere 3, Vernier |
England sealed a Six Nations Grand Slam in front of a record women’s crowd of 58,498 at Twickenham, holding on for victory against France on a landmark day for the sport.
After a nervy start, Helena Rowland broke free in midfield and Abby Dow tore down the right wing to score and further fuel the already festival-like atmosphere in the London sun.
With the hosts seemingly settled, four more tries followed for a 33-0 half-time lead in England women’s first standalone Test at the ground.
That proved enough to secure a fifth Six Nations title in a row, but the Red Roses could not push on after the break and it was France who scored five tries to their one.
The announcement of the attendance – surpassing the previous mark of 42, 579 set at the 2022 World Cup final in New Zealand – breathed joy back into the air…