Record crowd sees Red Roses make history in Twickenham

By Nub News guest writer

3rd May 2023 | Local Sport

Record crowd roar Red Roses to victory in Twickenham (Credit England Rugby)
Record crowd roar Red Roses to victory in Twickenham (Credit England Rugby)

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.

Some 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 the Harlequins winger 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.

Grand Slam for England (Credit England Rugby)

Coach 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.

Red Roses see off France fightback (Credit England Rugby)

France started the second half in similar fashion to the first, applying pressure in England's 22 and eventually finding the line through fullback Boulard for their first try of the game.

Vernier's score in the 56th minute was met with fierce response from the Red Roses, who worked their way up the pitch for Davies to score from the base of a driving maul. Escudero found the line for her side's third in similar fashion soon after.

Packer looked set to score her second try of the game in the final quarter, but her effort was deemed to be held up by Carla Arbez. France secured their bonus point score through Gros before Banet's effort in the final seconds brought the score to within five.

But it was too little too late as the clock entered the red and the final whistle sounded, confirming England as Grand Slam champions.

Women from Twickenham-based Harlequins played a central role in the Grand Slam success. In the team on Saturday were Abby Dow, the scrum-half Lucy Packer and full-back Ellie Kildunne, while Lagi Tuima and Amy Cokayne played vital roles in earlier victories.

     

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