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England silence France in Women's Six Nations opener
By Online Editors
England began the defence of their Women’s Six Nations title with a hard-fought 19-13 victory over France in Pau.
The visitors made a flying start with two tries inside the first 20 minutes, but France hit back to close within two points before Emily Scarratt converted her own try to give the Red Roses some vital breathing space.
In what had been widely billed as a Grand Slam decider, England took the lead after five minutes when Abby Dow was sent over in the corner and the forwards took over to extend the advantage as Vicky Fleetwood touched the ball down following a powerful driving maul.
A 24th-minute try from Laure Sansus got France back into it and Jessy Tremouliere’s penalty made it a two-point game at half-time, but England struck the decisive blow midway through the second period when Amber Reed’s offload sent Scarratt racing clear to score.
Resolute defence allowed England to weather an intense spell of pressure with the concession of a solitary Tremouliere penalty in the 75th minute and Simon Middleton’s side wound down the clock to silence the majority of the 14,000 crowd at the Stade du Hameau.
PA
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Latest Comments
David Kriel is an average player. Sure he has pace but isnt physical enough and doesnt have the skill set. Fouche is a decent player but lacks experience and Du Toit and Wilco Louw have the experience and the pedigree to take over from Koch and Malherbe. Du Toit can also pack down on both sides like Nyakane could so he is a natural fit. Hooker has real potential, he has pace and power and is a reliable tackler. He might be the most natural replacement for De Allende at 12 but is still nowhere near his level. He needs exposure and would agree with his selection so he can develop. Julius is such a talent but not ready for the big time. Throws too many wild passes and always goes for the offload. Great pace though and has a feel for space. Gumede drops the ball too much otherwise has pace and versatility and deserves a shot. JC Mars is not ready and needs to be nurtured. Hartzenberg deserves a look in as he is quite a versatile player and does alot well. He tackles well, runs well and passes well. Ruan Vermaak is ready, Nohamba is in between a 10 and a 9 but deserves a call up to prove his worth. Erasmus does have plenty of options
Go to commentsAB's not scared of the Boks at all. They know they can beat them anywhere in country. They will also know that the Springboks will be the biggest threat to their record. The Boks will also know that many of their players will be 1 year older this year. Will Frans Malherbe, De Allende, Kolisi, Etzebeth and several others still be as good as they were last year. Time will tell
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