England have begun their WXV title defence in style, as the Red Roses racked up an impressive win against the USA to kick start their competition. The 12-try thriller ended 61-21 to England, with John Mitchell’s side finding their stride out in Canada.
There was also a significant upset, as the Black Ferns suffered a shock defeat to Ireland. The Irish win was a narrow 29-27 triumph, and the victory against the reigning World Champions has certainly put the Women’s rugby landscape on notice. Following the first round of the three-tiered WXV global tournament, here is a full recap of the action.
WXV1
UNITED STATES 21 – 61 ENGLAND
England dominated territory and possession from the first whistle, and Lark Atkin-Davis commenced the try scoring after 12 minutes. Ellie Kildunne followed this up with a stunning solo score from near the half way line. The United States retaliated through Alev Kelter’s score, as she gathered a chip chase for an impressive effort. Georgia Brock marked her first England start with a try, with first time Red Roses captain Alex Matthews also got on the scoreboard.
The USA rallied back to two tries after the break, as Kelter and Kate Zackary scored either side of England debutant Bo Westcombe-Evans’ milestone try. Morwenna Talling, Jess Breach, Kildunne and Ella Wyrwas all then cross the whitewash for England to lay down the Red Roses statement of intent in their WXV title defence.
CANADA 46 – 24 FRANCE
Canada had a hot start on home soil, as Paige Farries scored inside the first four minutes. Melissande Llorens then crossed for France, but Canada retook the lead in the 23rd minute, as Bermudez scored the first of her two tries. Les Bleues responded through Marine Ménager, who marked her 50th French cap with a try following a 50-22 and quick line-out from Lina Queyroi, to level things up again.
The home side put daylight between the teams before the break, as Laetitia Royer scored from close range and Bermudez grabbed her brace. France struck first after the interval, as scrum half Pauline Bourdon-Sansus’ run drew Les Bleues back within range. However, Royer then scored her second try to restore Canada’s commanding lead. Nassira Konde secured a try bonus point for France, then Canada made sure of the victory with late tries from Emily Tuttosi and Asia Hogan-Rochester, either side of an Alex Tessier penalty.
NEW ZEALAND 27 – 29 IRELAND
New Zealand struck first, as hooker Atlanta Lolohea dotted down off the back of a driving maul. Aoife Wafer soon burrow her way over from close range to get Ireland on the board. The Black Ferns stretched their lead to 10-5 with a Renee Holmes penalty, and Wafer struck again. She peeled away from the base of an attacking scrum to power over.
Dannah O’Brien edged Ireland in front with the conversion, before hooker Neve Jones was awarded a try from close range, after a lengthy TMO discussion. Katelyn Vahaakolo hit top gear to bring the Black Ferns back into the match, before Holmes was sin-binned for New Zealand. Ireland capitalised on the extra player as Erin King scored two crucial tries, with Dannah O’Brien adding the match winning conversion.