1. Hannah Botterman 8
Wonderful options from the tip offs, as the powerful ball carrier provided good options with off-loads. Brilliant steal over the breakdown at 21 minutes, as England were pinned on their 5m line after constant pressure. Crossed over for a try at her home ground, as the prop muscled in to score at 23 minutes. Another big ruck turnover at 35 minutes, and the loose-head followed this up with a massive carry. A great outing from a prop in brilliant form.
2. Lark Atkin-Davies 7
Solid scrummaging against the impressive Welsh pack, and harnessed the early drives with solid drives from rolling mauls. Won the mental battle against her opposite number, with the small wins coming by intercepting overthrown line-outs and hooks against the head. Received some medical treatment after a heavy collision at 19 minutes. Came up with the ball for England’s bonus-point try, as the Red Roses utilised their tried and tested line-out maul.
3 Maud Muir 7
Beaten by an early scrum, but turned her early goings around through scoring England’s opening try. Provided the all important supporting line for Abby Dow, to follow up on the wing’s blistering run. Won a strong scrum penalty at 31 minutes, as Wales’ threat on the England 5m was once again nullified.
4 Zoe Aldcroft 7.5
Drove over for the second try of the match, as she marked her 50th cap with an all important try. Back in the England engine room with Rosie Galligan, as Abbie Ward found no place in the starting team, and Aldcroft Didn’t miss a beat with the alternated lock partner. Strong line-brake early in the second half, which broke into the back-field ahead of Kildunne’s first try.
5. Rosie Galligan 8
Dictated the battle in the air with a 17th minute line-out steal from Welsh clutches. Thought she stole a second line-out at 25 minutes, yet the anti-air defence was knocked on. Flew into the breakdown with a reckless challenge, gave away a penalty and Kiera Bevan took the quick tap to score a Welsh try. Made her amends shortly after, as she scored from close range after a solid series of drives. Duly awarded Player of the Match for her efforts, as the lock never stopped battling on her way to victory.
6. Sadia Kabeya 7
Gave away the first penalty of the match, after she was caught at the bottom of a breakdown and halted the Welsh attacking momentum. Adapted well to her newfound role of blindside, and her added involvement in attack wider out in the park. Great effort in attack and battled equally well when throwing herself into tackles.
7. Marlie Packer (c) 7
Overheard time and again upon the referee mic, as England’s vocal captain lead from the front and bossed the decision making with confidence. Donned the ‘master of the dark arts’ as she played the ball whilst it was in the scrum half’s hands, which led to England scoring their third try through Botterman. Wrapped up by Kate Williams, and spilled the ball in a dangerous position just before half-time.
8. Alex Matthews 6.5
Unafraid to pick and go from the back of the scrum, even when England were under a good deal of Welsh pressure. Added an immense shove to England’s 40th minute scrum which earned a penalty before the break, and a subsequent try through Lark Atkin-Davies.