New record for England with their 24th successive international win

England women continued their build-up to next month’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand with an eight-try victory over the United States at Exeter. Two long-distance efforts from Jess Breach capped a 52-14 rout and a record 24th successive international win for Simon Middleton’s team.

Scrum-half Natasha Hunt got the first score on the board after five minutes, and two minutes later Breach raced 60 metres to cross after an interception. Amy Cokayne powered over following a lineout, then Claudia MacDonald eased over on the wing to mark her first appearance in almost a year following a neck injury.

Breach repeated her lung-bursting heroics as she raced over from inside her own half after being fed by Emily Scarratt to make it 33-0 at half-time. MacDonald jinked over for England’s first score of the second half and Cokayne also added her second before Hope Rogers finally got the visitors on the board.

Shaunagh Brown and Helena Rowland were both sin-binned and the US were awarded a penalty try for a deliberate knock-on by the latter, but the 13 players still managed an eighth and final try through Ellie Kildunne.

England women will complete their preparations against Wales at Ashton Gate later this month before embarking on their trip to New Zealand.