3. ITALIAN FLOODGATES OPEN AFTER STRONG FIRST HALF AZZURRI PERFORMANCE
There is definite progression within the Italian side, as le Azzurri presented a solid first half effort. The full-time result can be argued to not accurately reflect the performance of the Italians, who had a good shot at England, especially in the first physical 40 minutes. Italy held strong against the Red Roses’ tried and tested methods in the first half, as they kept the rolling maul at bay, and presented a resilient wall against the short drives.
Italy’s impressive first half effort forced errors from the Red Roses, as frustration grew into their minds. It took England half an hour to get any points on the board, despite the aforementioned efforts of Abbie Ward. Hannah Botterman made the breakthrough for England, after a ruthless series of play finally broke through the Italian defence. Ward rounded off the first half with England’s second try, yet the 10-0 score-line was a respectable one for the Italians to reflect upon.
Red Roses head coach John Mitchell must have given an inspired team talk at the break, as his side kick-started the second half in a high gear. Lark Atkin-Davies reaped the rewards of a well worked rolling maul. The front-rower dotted down from the back of the pack to re-start England’s second half scoring just four minutes after the break, with the Red Roses really hitting their stride shortly after. The floodgates would open with Ellie Kildunne’s excellent line break, as she skipped her way past the Italian defenders for a stunning solo effort.
The Red Roses then followed this up with tries from Helena Rowland, Mackenzie Carson both got on the score-line, and Kildunne added her second with a fine finish in the corner.
4. SARAH BECKETT RED CARD – REFEREES CLAMP DOWN ON THE CROC ROLL
There was a major talking point early on in the first half, as England back-row Sarah Beckett was sent to the bunker after just 11 minutes. The number eight was first presented with a yellow card, after trying to clear out Michela Silari at the ruck. Beckett was unable to shunt the outside centre in the conventional fashion, and instead opted for a crocodile roll to swing the guarding defender out of the breakdown.
The move has steadily been clamped down upon by match officials, and was instantly the subject of a TMO review for foul play. After a brief discussion, referee Aurelie Groizeleau turned to England captain Marlie Packer to explain why the offence is being outlawed in the sport. Beckett was issued with an initial yellow card and an off field review in the bunker. A matter of minutes later and the Gloucester-Hartpury star was presented with a red card, with the referee stating that there was a high degree of danger in the croc roll.
One of the strongest packs in women’s rugby, the Red Roses opted to drop a player in the scrum and not replace the number eight vacancy with a member of the back-line. Despite being outnumbered seven to eight, England continued to assert their dominance up front and ran out a resounding win thanks to the strength of the pack.