W.G.S.D.Wijesinghe by Jadetimes news
Match Summary and Key Performances
France (0) 0 - England (20) 42
Tries: Davies 2, Hardcastle, Hetherington, Harris, Travis, Partington, Rudge
Goals: Rowe 5
In a commanding display, England overpowered France with a resounding 42-0 win in Toulouse, scoring eight tries to maintain their undefeated record against France in women's internationals.
Wigan winger Anna Davies, making her international debut, scored twice, while fellow debutant Georgie Hetherington also crossed the line in the first half. Amy Hardcastle, Zoe Harris, Paige Travis, Eboni Partington, and Emily Rudge were the other try scorers for England. Seventeen year old Isabel Rowe, another debutant, successfully converted five of the eight tries.
This match, the first in a Test double header at Stade Ernest Wallon, saw England's men set to face France later in the day. Stuart Barrow's team featured a mix of youth and experience, with debutants like Rowe and seasoned players such as Hardcastle, Rudge, and captain Jodie Cunningham.
Notably absent were previous Woman of Steel winners Sinead Peach and Tara Jane Stanley, as well as NRLW players Hollie Mae Dodd and Georgia Roche.
England's dominance was apparent from the outset, with early tries from Davies and Hardcastle within the first nine minutes. The initial four tries, all within the opening 25 minutes, capitalized on gaps in France's right side defense.
France, who recently secured World Cup qualification for 2026, struggled to breach England's robust defensive line. England's St Helens second row, Paige Travis, added to the score early in the second half by fending off two French tacklers. The final three tries came in quick succession, with the last try set up by Rowe, who passed short for Rudge to score easily under the posts.
Looking ahead, England is preparing for a tour of Australia in 2025, where they will face the reigning world champions, followed by the World Cup in 2026.