England power to win despite absences

A lot has been discussed about the sheer number of players England are missing in this Six Nations, but it appears not to matter as those who come in just step up.

Their brute force bludgeoned Scotland time and again.

Whether it was Feaunati’s break to put Kildunne in for the opening try, Kabeya’s similar dart to set up Meg Jones, or the power of Bern and Packer off the bench they simply pounded Scotland into submission.

It was not just about brute force, though, there were deft touches too.

Jones’ silky long pass for Kildunne to run in, plus several brilliant breaks from full-back Emma Sing who stood up with a big performance were highlights.

Zoe Harrison nailed all 12 conversions as well to keep the boot firmly on Scotland’s throats in a commanding display.

Even the callow replacements Lutui and Venner, with five caps between them, showed they are serious players with try-scoring cameos.

France in Bordeaux on the final weekend appears the only thing between England and a fifth Grand Slam in a row, which feels inevitable.

Media caption,

Kildunne scores England opener in Scotland

Mixed emotions for chastened Scots

This game was a truly significant moment for women’s sport in Scotland. You could feel it in the stadium, with the acapella verse of Flower of Scotland soaked with emotion.

Some of the greats of women’s sport in the country had turned out to see it, including former football captain Jen Beattie and Olympic curling gold medallist Jen Dodds.

What it has taken to get to this stage for the Scotland players cannot be understated, but on the pitch everyone was given a reminder of the distance there still is to travel.

England, used to bulging crowds, were simply too physical, too skilful, and had far too much nous. Scotland will be frustrated at their error count and 52 missed tackles, despite the absence of some key players.

Lloyd’s searing finish was at least a moment to savour after Nelson’s terrific vision and kick, as well as Rollie’s well-timed pass.

It was fitting three of Scotland’s greatest players who started their international careers playing in front of a handful of people, had the team’s best moment in front of 30,000 at Murrayfield.

Media caption,

Rhona Lloyd scores for Scotland v England

Line-ups

Scotland: Rollie, Lloyd, Wills, Smith, Campbell; Nelson, Brebner-Holden; Bartlett, Skeldon, Clarke, Wassell, Cunningham, Malcolm (capt), Stewart, Coubrough.

Replacements: Martin, Swann, Poolman, Bogan, McLachlan, Darroch, Scott, McGhie.

England: Sing; Breach, Jones (capt), Rowland, Kildunne; Harrison, L Packer; Clifford, Cokayne, Muir, Burton, Ives Campion, Short, Kabeya, Feaunati,

Replacements: Powell, Carson, Bern, Lutui, M Packer, Robinson, Aitchison, Venner.

Match officials

Referee: Zoe Naude (South Africa)

Assistant Referee 1: Clara Munarini (Italy)

Assistant Referee 2: Berenice Loubet (France)

Television Match Official (TMO): Quinton Immelman (South Africa)

Related topics

  • Scottish Rugby
  • Rugby Union
  • English Rugby

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