England Women ran riot on Wales this afternoon, for an emphatic eight-try win in round two of the 2024 Women’s Six Nations. England march on with another bonus point win, in what was a strong performance from the Red Roses.
The Red Roses found their way to the try-line in a variety of forms, with head coach John Mitchell delighted to see so many attacking options within his side. Seven separate scorers crossed over for England, as Maud Muir, Zoe Aldcroft, Hannah Botterman, Lark Atkin-Davies, Rosie Galligan and Abby Dow built an unobtainable lead, alongside a brace for flying fullback Ellie Kildunne.
Mitchell made seven changes for this match, with rotation in play following the opening round win over Italy. Here are our Red Roses player ratings, following the 46-10 win at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.
RED ROSES PLAYER RATINGS – ENGLAND V WALES 2024 WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS
ENGLAND: 46
TRIES: 8 (Muir 7’, Aldcroft 15’, Botterman 23’, Atkin-Davies 40’, Kildunne 44’, 61’, Dow 46’, Galligan 56’)
CONVERSIONS: 3 Aitchison 15’, 23’, 56’,
PENALTIES: 0
DROP GOALS: 0
YELLOW CARDS: 0
RED CARDS: 0
WALES: 10
TRIES: 1 (Bevan 52’)
CONVERSIONS: 1 (George 52’)
PENALTIES: 1 (George 6’)
DROP GOALS: 0
YELLOW CARDS: 0
RED CARDS: 0
15. Ellie Kildunne 7.5
Did really well to keep the ball in play as Wales tried to find territory in the early goings. Covered across the back-field kicks well, as Lleucu George tried to find space amongst the England back-three. Wrapped up the first try of the second half, as Kildunne finished off a move that England made harder than it needed to be in fairness. The fullback then grabbed her second with a staggering finish through two players at 61 minutes.
14. Abby Dow 7
Split the Welsh defence with an excellent run in the build-up to Maud Muir’s opening try. Did well to claim Aitchison’s 37th minute cross-field kick, yet was unable to get the ball down on to the try-line. Great awareness to call for space out on the wing, as she crossed over from close range for England’s sixth try.
13. Megan Jones 7
Made solid dominant shots in the early goings, yet had her efforts hindered as Wales take an early lead. Spotted a gap and sold a stunning dummy, before sending a 22nd minute fly hack downfield to the chasing wings. Cuts back inside at 43 minutes when there was a multi-player overlap, but England still managed to get over for the try. A solid performance by a midfielder who only continues to improve.
12. Tatyana Heard 6.5
Knocked the ball on in a dangerous area after three minutes, as England failed to clear the lines under heavy early pressure. Phenomenal offload at 36 minutes, as she found her midfield partner Meg Jones out of nowhere. Solid running lines, Heard battered her way over Wales time and again.
11 Jess Breach 6.5
Darting runs from the off, yet was unable to ship a pass back inside to Kabeya. Great running option as she chased down and claimed the down-field kick of Meg Jones. Stunning miss pass at 45 minutes, as she found Abby Dow out wide for England’s sixth try, a great assist.
10. Holly Aitchison 6.5
Presented with the kicking duties, yet repeatedly missed her conversions or struck the up-rights for a record of 3/8. Tried a subtle little chip through for Heard to chase at 14 minutes, yet had a little too much on it for the centre to gather. Preferred to send the penalties to touch instead of shots at the posts. Brilliantly timed 33rd minute interception, as she stole England a way out of their try-line defence. Not her strongest day from the tee, but commanded her back line well.
9. Natasha Hunt 6
Eyes up and alert, a 10th minute break saw Hunt tap and go, but the scrum half’s attempted touch goes out on the full and brought no avail. Caught out by the ‘use it’ call, as the Gloucester-Hartpury halfback took too long to use the ball.