England on Saturday completed a third consecutive Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam, beating France in the closing game of the championship 42-21.
The title decider was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 28,000 in Bordeaux.
“We just won a Grand Slam here in Bordeaux in an amazing atmosphere. It’s been quite hostile. It’s a French crowd, but it means we can turn it up when we need to,” England captain Marlie Packer told the BBC.
Photo: AFP
It was England’s 28th successive victory in the competition and their fifth straight title. France, the last nation other than England to win the competition, went into the match also on four wins, trailing England by one bonus point.
England jumped into an early 14-point lead. Prop Maud Muir smashed over after four minutes and No. 8 Alex Matthews trotted over after 11 minutes.
Last season at Twickenham, England led 33-0 at halftime, but ended up clinging to a five-point win after an inspired French fight back.
This time, the home team’s hopes of a rally were hit after 44 minutes when prop Assia Khalfaoui was shown a yellow card, quickly upgraded to red on video review, for head-to-head contact with England’s Morwenna Talling, but England could not establish control.
Winger Marine Menager rekindled French hopes when she scored in the corner with 10 minutes left, but that roused England and Matthews burst through a gap to score.
“In the second half we were uncomfortable,” Matthews told the BBC. “We lost our connection, but to still pull together and get the win is brilliant.”
Holly Aitchison, who had struggled with her place kicking in the tournament, converted all six English tries. Lina Queyroi converted all three French scores.
“It was incredible and hats off to the forwards,” full-back Ellie Kildunne said. “It was an easy day for the backs. I am so happy to silence the French.”
Earlier on Saturday, Ireland rebounded from a 78-point thrashing by England in their previous match to beat Scotland 15-12 in Belfast and secure third place and automatic qualification for the World Cup. Scotland finished fourth. Wales avoided a tournament whitewash, but still ended up with the wooden spoon after beating Italy, who finished fifth.
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