The opening round of the 2023 Women’s Six Nations is in the books, with England, Wales and France fast out of the blocks for their first wins of the competition. The Red Roses have set solid foundations to retain the Women’s Six Nations title, yet the competition looks strong from ‘les Bleus’, and a defiant Welsh side.
Here is a recap of all the action, from the opening weekend of the 2023 TikTok Women’s Six Nations.
Wales 31 – 5 Ireland
After a poor performance in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations and the looming shadow of the WRU contract saga, Wales fans were delighted to have had something to cheer on the pitch, this past weekend. Kicking off the 2023 Women’s Six Nations with a record crowd for a Wales Women’s match of 4,962, Wales put out a convincing performance in their one-sided victory at Cardiff Arms Park.
The Women’s Six Nations has historically been a two horse race between England and France, yet Wales are a side on the up and look to soon be competing with the two. Ioan Cunningham’s side ran in four tries in the first half, as Ireland could not contain their fiery start. Alex Callender started off the scoring, by grounding a powerful rolling maul as Ireland back-peddled in retreat.
Kiera Bevan followed this up, as the scrum half sniped from the back of a ruck, and crossed the line from close range. A second powerful rolling maul followed for Wales’ third try, this time back-rower Sioned Harries grounded the ball for a try of her own. The fourth try was the pick of the bunch in the first 40 minutes, as Harries’ neat offload found Kerin Lake, with the centre crashing through the line, and fending off the tackle attempts. The Gloucester-Hartpury star then found Hannah Jones, with the captain through to score.
The second half was a slower contest, with a fifth Welsh try coming from Player of the Match Sisilia Tuipulotu. The 19-year-old marked secured her first Six Nations try, with Wales once again reaping the rewards of the rolling maul. Ireland secured a consolation try, with their captain Nichola Fryday getting her side on the scoreboard.
England 58 – 7 Scotland
Emotions were running high at Kingston Park, at England’s legendary captain Sarah Hunter played her final match for the Red Roses. Ending her career in the same place it began, Hunter decided to call time on her career in her hometown of Newcastle. A fitting farewell for England’s leading all-time appearance holder, Hunter led her side to a 10-try shut-out of Scotland, which was the perfect foundation for England to retain the Six Nations title.
Hunter ran out to make her 141st Red Roses appearance, with the 37-year-old also setting the record as the most capped women’s international. It took no time for the tries to start rolling in, with Claudia McDonald kick-starting England’s points tally. Dominant up-front, England bossed the contact zone, and kept Scotland on the back-foot.
England split their try-scoring evenly throughout the halves, with five scores coming in either 40 minute landslides. Hooker Amy Cokayne scored twice, with McDonald also securing her first-half brace. Gloucester-Hartpury star Tatyana heard added the fifth, with a dejected Scotland happy to hear the half-time whistle blow.
Yet England maintained momentum, and did not let up on their relentless attack. Despite being without renowned leaders Emily Scarratt and Abby Dow, England played with direction and assertiveness to see out any hopes of a Scottish comeback. Marlie Packer took the reigns as England’s new captain after Hunter’s second half substitution. The captain received a resounding ovation from the 10,000 plus in attendance.
Packer marked her new role with a second half hat-trick, as England continued to dominate their old rivals. Sadia Kabeya and Poppy Cleall also built the imprressive score-line, with Scotland’s consolation try coming late on from Loughborough Lightning’s Helen Nelson.
Italy 12 – 22 France
A resilient Italy took a lot out of France, with victory only certain for ‘Les Bleus’ five minutes from full time. Caroline Boujard was on hand to score the all-important try, to take the match out of reach for the Azzurri. France would have hoped for a stronger showing, and missed out on a bonus point victory, which could prove costly in the latter stages of the competition.
This battle in Parma began with a slight French advantage, as Pauline Bourdon slotted a penalty to edge her side infront. However, the lead was short-lived, and the Italian fans burst into life as their side went in front. Giada Franco powered over from close range, with the back-rower taking the plaudits of the attack. Full credit went to Francesca Sgorbini, who’s line-break caught the French defenders off-guard for hard-fought territory.
Yet France responded immediately, and led by just one point at 8-7. A powerful French scrum saw ‘Les Bleus’ force the Italians back, before Marine Ménager ran on the offensive, who found Bourdon, who shipped the ball to Gabrielle Vernier, who wrapped up the try of the match. The missed conversion kept the contest tight, with both sides jostling for an advantage, that was eventually found by France through debutant Carla Arbez’ try.
A 15-7 score-line remained until half-time, with France’s winning experience proving crucial to hold out for victory in the second 40 minutes. Yet despite the best efforts of the Italians, France had solidified a second half victory. Co-Head Coaches Gaelle Mignot and David Ortiz orchestrated their side to maintain in control, and extinguish any late hopes of an upset.