England's women's rugby team delivered a stunning performance on April 19, 2025, defeating Scotland 59-7 at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Grand Slam decider against France next week. The victory marks the Red Roses' 24th consecutive win, further solidifying their dominance in the Women's Six Nations.
In front of a vibrant crowd of 15,530, England showcased their attacking prowess, scoring nine tries, with six of those coming in a dominant first half. The scoring spree began just six minutes into the match when prop Kelsey Clifford powered over from close range, igniting the Red Roses' offensive onslaught.
Flanker Marlie Packer, returning to the starting lineup after a brief absence, made headlines by scoring her 50th try for England, a significant milestone in her 110th appearance. Captain Zoe Aldcroft also made her mark, intercepting a Scotland pass to sprint 40 meters untouched for her team's third try, putting England firmly in control at 21-0 by the 21st minute.
Claudia MacDonald, who had missed the previous Six Nations due to injury, proved her worth by scoring two tries, including one shortly after halftime. Abbie Ward and Lark Atkin-Davies rounded out the first-half scoring, leaving England with a staggering 42-0 lead at the break.
Despite Scotland's efforts, which finally saw them score through Lisa Thomson's try in the second half, England's dominance was evident throughout the match. Abby Dow capped off the scoring with two tries, including a remarkable solo effort that showcased her strength and agility.
England's head coach, John Mitchell, praised the team's performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of Holly Aitchison, who played at fly-half for the first time in the tournament. Aitchison successfully converted seven of nine attempts, demonstrating her growing confidence and skill in the pivotal role.
Mitchell expressed satisfaction with Aitchison's performance, stating, "She's been fulfilling her role very well. A good performance today. I’m very lucky that I've got three very, very good tens, so they're all going to play a part during 2025." This depth in talent will be crucial as England prepares for the upcoming clash against France, who defeated Italy 34-21 earlier in the day.
Looking ahead to the Grand Slam decider, Aldcroft acknowledged the challenges posed by France, stating, "We know France are super physical, we are expecting that next week. We know they like to offload, so hopefully we can stop them in those areas."
The match against Scotland also raised concerns for the visitors, who were missing key players, including captain Rachel Malcolm due to concussion. Scotland's head coach, Bryan Easson, recognized the gap in experience between the two teams, noting, "We gave away far too many easy scores but we showed pride and fight in the second half and can be proud of that. We have to keep building our strength in depth and the pathway and give players opportunities."
As England prepares for their showdown against France on April 26, 2025, the Red Roses will look to maintain their momentum and secure a fourth consecutive Grand Slam and seventh Six Nations title in a row. With their recent form and a wealth of talent at their disposal, England will enter the match as heavy favorites, determined to continue their impressive winning streak.
In summary, England's emphatic victory over Scotland not only showcased their attacking skills and depth but also set the stage for an exciting Grand Slam decider against a formidable French side. With the stakes high and a home World Cup on the horizon, the Red Roses are poised to deliver another thrilling performance.
