Billed as the Six Nations decider, the England Women’s Rugby team beat Scotland today at The Stoop.
Both teams came into the game undefeated, but England leave as hot favourites for the Championship having overpowered the visitors.
England now face Ireland next Friday in Limerick to decide the Six Nations Champions.
Despite pressure from Scotland for the last 20 minutes of the game, England defended well and finished with a try by 80th-minute replacement Sarah Marsh.
England head coach Geoff Richards was pleased with his team’s fourth win in the series.
“Scotland made life difficult for us today, their forwards were a handful so I’m particularly pleased with our defensive play today. Scotland played with size, aggression and passion and we had to match that. I’m very pleased, it was a good win against a strong team,” said Richards.
England’s Chris Diver, top scorer in the Championship so far, was allowed little possession throughout the game, but broke free just after half time to score her ninth try of the campaign.
“We didn’t get that much of the ball. I’m pleased I scored one, and I’m pleased we stopped them from scoring despite a lot of pressure at the end,” said Diver.
Captain Maxine Edwards returned to the team today after missing the last game against Spain with a knee injury.
“The game was hard, we knew it would be a tough battle. Scotland always have strong forwards so we needed strong defence today.”
England have only dropped seven points in their last four games. Edwards is looking for her team to continue that form against Ireland on Friday.
“Ireland have got nothing to loose and we’ve got everything to lose. We have to keep our focus and be very disciplined.”
Scoring Sequence:
Min Player Score
10 Helen Clayton (7) try 5-0
11 Shelley Rae (10) conv 7-0
40 Assunta De Biase (12) try 12-0
HT Half Time Score 12-0
46 Chris Diver (15) try 17-0
47 Shelley Rae (10) conv 19-0
54 Vanessa Huxford (3) try 24-0
85 Sarah Marsh (22) try 29-0
86 Karen Andrew (21) conv 31-0
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