England will kick-off their Women’s Six Nations title defence against Scotland at 12pm and they target another Grand Slam. This year’s tournament is back to the full schedule after last year’s Six Nations was shortened due to Covid. That meant there was no opportunity for a Grand Slam but there was a final instead, one in which England defeated France.
The Red Roses have continued their winning ways in 2021, including two record victories over New Zealand, and are currently sitting on a 17-game winning streak. But they shouldn’t underestimate Scotland, who are riding high after securing qualification for the 2021 World Cup. The Scots managed to defeat Ireland in the last minute and then overcame Colombia to book their ticket. It will be the first time the team are at a World Cup since 201, so have a lot of momentum heading into this game after securing their place last month.
Though the hosts do have good morale in their camp, it is Simon Middleton’s team who are the favourites. They beat Scotland 52-10 last year and while the Scots are likely to have closed the gap England should come away with a win. Follow all the action of this Women’s Six Nations opener with our live blog below:
TRY! Scotland 5-24 England (Dow, 26’)
Bern has received some treatment for her knee but she remains on the pitch, I’ll keep an eye on her just incase.
The ball from the restart went straight out from Nelson so it is an England scrum on the halfway line. There was a restart after it collapsed an then England won a penalty.
They took it quickly and it is a screamer from Abby Dow! She spots a great line and she storms to the line! That’s the bonus point!
TRY! Scotland 5-19 England (Cowell, 22’)
Scotland do really well to pressure England as Kildunne spills the ball in attack.
Another Scotland scrum and they came away with it but England managed to turn it over in a ruck. This is quite scrappy from both teams in the past few minutes.
Dow almost got away but Scotland swarmed her, holding her up. The penalty went England’s way with referee Joy Neville saying it was a tackle. And England scrum, the scrums clean for both sides so far, sees the visitors come away with it.
The ball was fizzed wide but Kildunne doesn’t get the ball away to Dow who could’ve been away. But eventually the ball goes to Cowell and she races in.
TRY! Scotland 5-14 England (Rollie, 17’)
Now we have a game on our hands!
England’s defensive line falls apart as the ball is fizzed to full-back Rollie who powers over.
Nelson’s conversion is unsuccessful.
Scotland 0-14 England, 16 min
That try sees England go over 4,000 points in the Six Nations, the first team to do it!
Scotland are in possession and they have bagged a penalty as Kildunne didn’t roll away after her tackle. The hosts kick for the corner as they look to hit back at England.
They deserve some points here after their sparkling start.
Scotland’s maul was brought down immediately but they have the ball still
TRY! Scotland 0-14 England (P Cleall 13’)
England have a line-out from Nelson’s poor kick and their maul is impressive, they march towards the line.
The ball is fizzed out to the wing but Rowland is hacked down. It then finds P Cleall who crashes over – this could be a long afternoon for Scotland.
Scarratt adds the extras.
Scotland 0-7 England, 12 min
Can Scotland keep up their good work despite going down here? They were well organised and disciplined in the opening phases.
From the kick-off Scotland haven’t been as slick, Nelson put a kick straight into touch.
A break in play now with a water break, play underway shortly.
TRY! Scotland 0-7 England (Packer, 9’)
A penalty was taken quickly by Infante sees England make a great break. The ball went through the hands and Packer crashes over!
That must be so frustrating for Scotland who have been strong so far. Scarratt adds the extras, game on!
Scotland 0-0 England, 9 min
Nelson has missed the kick, frustrating for Scotland! It went just wide but Scotland are already back in possession and pushing forward.
McLachlan almost found a pocket of space in the England defence but the visitors managed to hold onto her. Eventually the Scots had to kick away with Kildunne collecting and running into the Scottish defence.
England finally get reward for their tireless work so far, Gaffney gave away a penalty at halfway.
Scotland looking the better team so far, they just need the points on the board.
Scotland 0-0 England, 5 min
Scotland launched their first attack and they managed to bag a penalty advantage with England straying offside.
They kicked it away to create something special but England collected, we’ve come back for the earlier advantage.
Will they kick here? Yes they will! Nelson attempting to get the first points of the match.
Scotland 0-0 England, 4 min
AS predicted the kicking game has been crucial with Kildunne collecting well.
England start their electric attack early with P Cleall making a good break but Dow dropped the ball in later phases. The first scrum was Scotland’s with England having a good edge but the hosts came away with it.
Nelson kicked it away with Dow picking up and launching an attack again. But England have another handling error which saw Scarratt kick it away with Nelson sending it back with her boot.
Scottish line-out now, phew what an opening few exchanges!
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