England player ratings vs Fiji as the Red Roses began their 2021 Rugby World Cup campaign with a convincing win against the Islanders at a sold out Eden Park in New Zealand.
First half tries from Claudia MacDonald, Abbie Ward, Amy Cokayne and Helena Rowland gave the red-hot tournament favourites a 24-14 lead at the break with Alowesi Nakoci and Sesenieli Donu crossing for the flying Fijians
But the Red Roses’ professionalism shone after the restart as they scored 10 unanswered tries after the break and wing MacDonald taking her individual tally to four.
Fiji did get a deserved consolation try late on, but it was too little, too late.
England have never scored more tries or points in a World Cup match and extend their record winning run to 26 Tests.
Earlier on Saturday France – England’s closest rivals for the title along with New Zealand – beat South Africa 40-5 at the same venue.
Scroll down for full England player ratings vs Fiji.
England: 84 (24)
- Tries: MacDonald (4), Cokayne (2), Ward, Rowland, Aldcroft, Thompson (2), Dow, Infante, Powell
- Cons: Scarratt (5), Harrison 2
- Pens:
Fiji: 19 (14)
- Tries: Nakoci, Donu, Cavuru
- Cons: Cavuru
- Pens:
KEY STATS:
- Tackles made: Zoe Aldcroft (England) – 16
- Tackles missed: Karalaini Naisewa (Fiji) – 6
- Turnovers won: Sesenieli Donu (Fiji) – 2
- Offloads: Ellie Kildunne (England) – 14
- Metres: Ellie Kildunne (England) – 145
- Defenders beaten: Helena Rowland (England) – 7
ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS VS FIJI:
15. Ellie Kildunne – 9
14. Lydia Thompson – 8
13. Emily Scarratt – 8
12. Helena Rowland – 7
11. Claudia MacDonald – 9
10. Zoe Harrison – 7
9. Leanne Infante – 8
1. Vickii Cornborough – 7
2. Amy Cokayne – 8
3. Sarah Bern – 7
4. Zoe Aldcroft – 8
5. Abbie Ward – 8
6. Alex Matthews – 7
7. Sadia Kabeya -9 (STAR PLAYER:
8. Sarah Hunter – 8
Meet the HAPs (that’s husbands and partners) who’ll be cheering on England’s Red Roses
THE entire nation will be cheering on the England women’s rugby team this Rugby World Cup.
But also shouting words of encouragement from the sidelines in their match against Fiji in their pool opener in New Zealand are the players’ supportive partners.
We take a look at the loved ones who could help the team to victory.
#1. Sarah Hunter’s boyfriend Nathan Smith
She has more than 120 caps for England and played in the victorious World Cup squad in 2014.
She is currently captaining England women in New Zealand. Hunter lives with her boyfriend, Nathan Smith, near Loughborough He is a coach at Doncaster Knights rugby club.