LAST UPDATE | 3 Apr 2021
BACK TO BACK Grand Slam winners England showed no signs of loosening their grip on Six Nations dominance, whatever format the tournament is in, as they ran in eight tries in their opening day 52-10 win over Scotland.
Number 8 Poppy Cleall starred for the hosts in Doncaster, combining with her twin sister Bryony to set up Marlie Packer’s opening score.
Leanne Riley, Lark Davies Bryony Cleall and a superb 40-metre run from Jess Breach delivered the try-scoring bonus and a 33-3 half-time scoreline for England.
The scoring rate slowed down in the second half and England were burdened by yellow cards for Cleall and Davies yet still crossed for three more tries through Helena Rowland, a penalty try and the powerful Poppy Cleall.
Hannah Smith scored Scotland’s only try in response with 25 minutes to go, when England had already hit the 40-point mark.
France matched the pace set by the Pool A giants as they got Pool B under way with a thumping 53-0 win over Wales, who take on Ireland next weekend.
Wing Caroline Boujard ensured any hope of Wales causing an enormous upset were quickly washed away as she ran in a lightning-quick hat-trick inside the opening 15 minutes.
Agathe Sochat also registered a try as Les Bleus ran up a 31-point half-time advantage before four more tries in the second 40 thanks to Emmeline Gros (two), Emilie Boulard and Laure Touyé.
