England thrash Scotland to set up Grand Slam-decider
Women's Six NationsEngland (42) 59Tries: Clifford, Packer, Aldcroft, MacDonald 2, Ward, Davies, Dow 2 Cons: Aitchison 7Scotland (0) 7Try: Thomson Con: Nelson
England scored nine tries to hammer Scotland in Leicester and set up a Women's Six Nations Grand Slam-decider with France at Allianz Stadium next Saturday.The victory extends the Red Roses' winning run to 24 games before a home Rugby World Cup that starts in August.Prop Kelsey Clifford grabbed the first of six first-half tries, with John Mitchell's side in complete control of the fixture right from the opening whistle.Flanker Marlie Packer was next to cross, followed by captain Zoe Aldcroft, wing Claudia MacDonald and lock Abbie Ward.Lark Atkin-Davies's try ensured a 42-0 lead at half-time, a vastly improved margin from last Saturday's win in Ireland, when John Mitchell's side only led 7-5 at the break.Player of the match MacDonald raced clear down the wing for her second try early in the second half, before Lisa Thomson finally got Scotland on the board with a try from a rolling maul.Wing Abby Dow capped off the scoring, in front of a crowd of 15,530, with a brilliant solo try, before a simple finish in the corner.The Red Roses are chasing a fourth successive Grand Slam and a seventh Six Nations title in a row.More to follow.
Line-ups
England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Shekells, MacDonald; Aitchison, L Packer; Clifford, Atkin-Davies, Bern, Galligan, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), M Packer, Feaunati.Replacements: Campbell, Botterman, Muir, Talling, Matthews, Hunt, Rowland, Scarratt.Scotland: Rollie; Lloyd, Orr, Thomson, McGhie; Nelson (capt), Mattison; Young, Skeldon, Clarke, Bonar, Boyd, Gallagher, McLachlan, Konkel.Replacements: Martin, Bartlett, Poolman, Ferrie, Bell, Clarke, Phillips Scott.Referee: Clara Munarini (Ita)TMO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
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