Read the Match Report of England Women's mid-season international victory against France...
England Women continued their unbeaten run against France in their mid-season international on Saturday, with an exceptional team performance which saw a final result of 0-42.
The Women kicked off the action in this year's eagerly-anticipated double-header, and was played at Stade Ernest-Wallon, the home of Toulouse Olympique.
England got off to a flying start with two quick-fire tries in Toulouse, as Anna Davies, one the five players proudly making their England debut on Saturday, opened the scores on the fourth minute.
International veteran Amy Hardcastle then burst through the France defence and bustled her way over to score four minutes later – extending England’s lead to 8-0 inside the first ten minutes.
France did test the England defence on multiple occasions, but England were up to the task and ensured a strong start to settle any pre-existing nerves.
Another set of back-to-back tries would then see England take a comfortable 20-0 lead heading into the break…
Following a ten-minute period of mid-field action, Georgie Hetherington, also on debut, found a gap in the defensive line to slice through and stroll over from close range.
Half-back Zoe Harris then made it four tries in the first forty, as the right edge continued to pose a dangerous threat. Hardcastle once again broke the line and with a rampaging run down the touchline, before cutting inside and finding Harris in support.
The England side started the second half strong with a try from Paige Travis, before Davies claimed her second in style.
France held firm for some parts of the game, but the sheer dominance from England continued as Eboni Partington crashed over after taking in a perfect pass from Keara Bennett.
17-year-old debutant Isabel Rowe also impressed in the halves on Saturday afternoon – the talented youngster with a superb short pass to Emily Rudge - who stormed over for England’s eighth try under the posts and topped off an excellent victory.
England Women: Georgie Hetherington, Eboni Partington, Caitlin Beevers, Amy Hardcastle, Anna Davies, Zoe Harris, Isabel Rowe, Liv Wood, Keara Bennett, Shona Hoyle, Paige Travis, Emily Rudge, Jodie Cunningham, Katie Mottershead, Vicky Whitfield, Zoe Hornby, Bella Sykes.
Tries: Davies (4, 60), Hardcastle (8), Hetherington (21), Harris (24), Travis (50), Partington (63), Rudge (70)
Goals: Rowe (5/8)
Half-time: 0-20
Full-time: 0-42
Match Highlights to follow...
