England captain Sarah Hunter retires as Red Roses secure 10-try Six Nations win against Scotland

England captain Sarah Hunter retires as Red Roses secure 10-try Six Nations win against Scotland

Scotland outclassed by dominant England

Scotland’s first game since players were given contracts in December ended in an outclassed defeat against England in the Women’s Six Nations. The scoreline showed a wide gulf as England began their bid for a fifth successive title. Holly Aitchison conducted the backs with aplomb as she took the 10 shirt from the injured Zoe Harrison, and Packer completed a hat-trick after England’s captain, Sarah Hunter, retired as the country’s most-capped international player.

Hunter bows out with a standing ovation

Hunter left the field in the 57th minute to a standing ovation after securing 141 appearances. Packer will now take on the England captaincy in Hunter’s absence. The fact that every team in the tournament has some form of professional contract has been celebrated, but it still has some way to go before every Women’s Six Nations match is competitive.

Scotland prove some promise but lack the class

Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm had promised something new in attack from the arrival of new coach Chris Laidlaw, but the visitors were recycled by England. Centre Emma Orr made a break and a few phases later nearly scored a first-half try. Inside centre Meryl Smith’s kicks gained important ground, and winger Francesca McGhie almost scored a try on her debut when Scotland occasionally threatened England’s defence, but their efforts were not enough.

England dominate with a 10-try spree

England dominated the game from the start, with Aitchison conducting the backs who were center stage for England’s opening try. Hooker Amy Cokayne went over on the right-wing as Tatyana Heard and Cokayne went over to complete the first-half scoring. Poppy Cleall and Sadia Kabeya kicked off the second-half try spree, with Packer claiming her first in a maul before celebrating Hunter as she left the field. Despite some show of spirit, Scotland’s tournament will truly begin when they face Wales in round two,to decide third place.

Credit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/65077147

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