Red Roses go on rampage to leave Wales on the ropes

By JAMES SKELDON

Wales……………….. 3pts

Penalties: Bevan 14

England…………..59pts

Tries: L Packer 26, Heard 36, Dow 40, Aitchison 45, Breach 50, Kildunne 56, Muir 61, Butterman 64, Beckett 73 Conversions Sing 27, 37, 50; Tuima 57, 61, 65, 74

ENGLAND made it three out of three and crushed Welsh Triple Crown hopes as they scored nine tries in a dominant display at a sold-out Cardiff Arms Park yesterday.

In front of a 8,000 crowd, the Red Roses turned in a a ruthless performance after enduring heavy Welsh pressure in the opening stages.

England head coach Simon Middleton was pleased with his side's attitude but was impressed by Wales.

He said: “Massive credit to Wales for that first 25- 30 minutes, they attacked us in every quarter. They attacked the breakdown, they came at us in defence, they were good with the ball in hand and had us under massive pressure.

“At that point you're thinking this is going to be a high quality Test match all the way through, but then credit to our team. How we problem-solved and some of the attacking stuff we showed was outstanding.”

Despite the scoreline, Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham saw plenty to build on. He said: “There was enough to take out of that, for sure. When we look at that first 30 minutes, I thought we showed physical dominance, I thought we were on top territorially and possession-wise.

“But we had three entries into their 22 and we only had three points, and that is the difference at this level. The growth in the group has been massive and we are definitely improving.”

Early on, Wales, no doubt lifted by the big crowd, took charge and got within inches of England's line as Bethan Jones looked destined to score but she was held up.

England were then pinged at the breakdown giving Keira Bevan the chance to get Wales on the board with a penalty. The visitors hit back and some gorgeous hands down the left wing from Zoe Aldrcroft freed Abby Dow who burst up the touchline.

The wing nearly finished herself but was hauled down short. England recycled and Lucy Packer dotted down from short range.

England punished Wales' lack of attacking edge as they launched a penalty into Wales' half. They got their second try when Holly Aitchison poked a delightful kick through which inside centre Tatyana Heard regathered and finished.

England were clinical and it showed on the scoreboard. Emma Sing couldn't add the extras but their lead was stretched to nine.

Whilst England's first two tries were well-coordinated team scores, the third was due to the individual brilliance of Dow. The Harlequins winger picked the ball up on the halfway line and smoked two Wales defenders before successfully riding two more challenges to get over the line. Sing drilled the conversion through the uprights and took the score to 19-3.

Wales looked to swing the momentum early in the second half, rampaging into England territory. They couldn't make use of the massive advance over the gain line though and conceded a penalty.

England kept their foot on the gas and scored again, this time through Aitchison. A smart showand-go out wide fooled Wales' defensive line and the outside-half galloped over. Sarah Bern then popped up with her own moment of individual brilliance sprinting up the right wing and fending off two Welsh defenders. She then offloaded the ball into the grateful arms of Jess Breach who finished under the posts.

England were now running rampant. Dow made yet another break up the middle and freed replacement Ellie Kildunne with her first touch of the game. Lagi Tuima slotted a lovely kick to stretch England to a 38-3 lead.

Wales' task was then made more difficult when Kate Williams was sent to the bin. From the following lineout, England went through the phases and got over after a powerful, carry from Maud Muir. England were now dominating and Hannah Botterman crashed over.

Somehow England managed to get two players sent to the bin in the same phase. Marlie Packer and May Campbell were both given yellows for dangerous tackles. The tries were flowing now and Sarah Beckett went over for England's ninth.

Wales will be disappointed with their performance having started the tournament so brightly. England though, were untouchable at times today and kept their Grand Slam hopes alive.