Women’s Six Nations: France v England
France: (14) 21
Tries: Vernier, M Menager 2 Cons: Queyroi 3
England: (35) 42
Tries: Muir, Matthews 2, Jones, Packer, Cokayne Cons: Aitchison 6
England sealed a third consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam against a 14-player France side in Bordeaux after Assia Khalfaoui’s second-half red card.
The Red Roses started fast through tries by forwards Maud Muir and Alex Matthews before Gabrielle Vernier responded.
Centre Megan Jones grabbed an intercept try to restore England’s 14-point advantage, with Marine Menager then scoring to keep France in touch.
But tries by Marlie Packer and Amy Cokayne pulled John Mitchell’s side clear before Khalfaoui saw her dangerous ruck clear-out upgraded to a red card by the television match official ‘bunker’ system.
Despite being a player down for the majority of the second half Menager crossed for her second try, but Matthews made sure there was to be no famous comeback with her second score.
Victory means a sixth Six Nations title in a row for England and extended their record winning streak to 29 games.
It also secures Mitchell’s first championship in charge of the Red Roses, while he remains undefeated since taking charge last autumn.
More to follow.
France: Boulard; Grisez, Konde, Vernier, M Menager; Queyroi, Bourdon Sansus; Deshaye, Sochat, Khalfaoui, Feleu (capt), Fall, Escudero, Hermet, R Menager.
Replacements: Riffonneau, Mwayembe, Joyeux, Feleu, Gros, Chambon, Ciofani, Jacquet.
Red card: Assia Khalfaoui (45).
England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Aitchison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Aldcroft, Talling, Kabeya, M Packer (capt), Matthews.
Replacements: Powell, Carson, Clifford, Ward, Feaunati, L Packer, Scarratt, Gregson.
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZ).
