Latest news with #ZoeHarrison
CNA
26-04-2025
- Sport
- CNA
England edge France in thriller to claim Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
LONDON :England overcame irrepressible France 43-42 to clinch a fourth straight Grand Slam and seventh successive Women's Six Nations title at Twickenham on Saturday as they extended their record winning streak in the tournament to 34 matches. The Red Roses were clinical during a breathless first half with tries from Abby Dow, Emma Sing (2), Lark Atkin-Davies and Claudia MacDonald but leaked three scores to the resilient visitors to squander a 31-7 lead and go in 31-21 up at halftime. The game sustained its breakneck, tit-for-tat pace in the second half as England captain Zoe Aldcroft finished after Dow cut through before French winger Kelly Arbey replied. France were never out of it and when Joanna Grisez scorched over down the left to make it 43-42 with a minute left, the upset for an England team that had not lost a Six Nations game since 2018 looked on before the hosts finally triumphed. It was a showcase of attacking rugby from both sides that left serious questions about England's defence ahead of a home World Cup in August that they are desperate to win and exorcise the demons of their defeat in the 2021 final to New Zealand. England laid down a marker with a sharp score after four minutes, prolific winger Dow collecting a kick through from Zoe Harrison and fending off a tackle to score in the corner. But France struck back within a minute, fly half Carla Arbez darting over after direct running and a brilliant midfield offload carved space through the hosts' defence. Sing, in at fullback for England's injured supreme finisher Ellie Kildunne, then scored the game's third try in 10 minutes as she finished an overlap on the left. Hooker Atkin-Davies put England 17-7 ahead from a powerful lineout drive after they kicked for the corner instead of goal, before Sing added her second as England seemed to be waltzing to the Grand Slam. The hosts could never hold on to a commanding lead throughout the game, however, with France striking back every time it looked like the Red Roses could pull away. A fumble from flyhalf Zoe Harrison, fielding a scrappy pass behind her own line that gifted Pauline Bourdon France's second try, was typical of their defensive errors. The game resembled a highlights package as both sides scored with almost every attack, England mixing up their passing and kicking game to lethal effect while France made sharp use of the scraps of possession they could win. It took a French knock-on from the game's final restart for England to launch their celebrations, clinging on to an encounter they had been tipped to win more comfortably. The result leaves England with a few months to add more defensive rigour to their undoubted attacking verve ahead of a home World Cup which kicks off on August 22 when the Red Roses take on the United States. While Twickenham Sstadium, now known as the Aviva, was not full, a crowd of 37,573 were on hand to see England lift the trophy in a haze of purple smoke, with the Grand Slam secure but thoughts already turning to the bigger challenge ahead.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is England v France on TV? How to watch Women's Six Nations grand slam decider
England and France meet in a Women's Six Nations grand slam decider as the tournament reaches its conclusion. The two competition heavyweights are again unbeaten entering the final weekend, with France hoping for a long-awaited victory over their rivals at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. It is 14 games now since England were last beaten by their closest European foes, though this rivalry is closer than that run suggests with a number of tight encounters over the years. Can a talented French side throw their hosts off course at the last opportunity before the World Cup later this year? Here's everything you need to know. When is England vs France? England vs France is due to kick off at 4.45pm BST on Saturday 26 April at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC Two, with coverage from 4.15pm BST. A live stream will be available via the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer. Team news Zoe Harrison has got the nod at fly half for England ahead of Holly Aitchison, despite the Bristol playmaker's impressive performance against Scotland. Claudia MacDonald does retain her spot ahead of Jess Breach on the wing, though, with Emma Sing given an opportunity at full-back after a hamstring injury ruled out Ellie Kildunne. France lost back rows Romane Menager and Stephanie Okemba to injury ahead of the final round, with Charlotte Escudero and Lea Champon promoted to the starting side on the flanks. Emilie Boulard is left out with young gun Kelly Arbey favoured on the wing, while France again favour a six forwards to two backs bench split. Line-ups England XV: 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Lark Atkin-Davies, 3 Maud Muir; 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Abbie Ward; 6 Zoe Aldcroft (capt.), 7 Maddie Feaunati, 8 Alex Matthews; 9 Natasha Hunt, 10 Zoe Harrison; 11 Claudia MacDonald, 12 Tatyana Heard, 13 Meg Jones, 14 Abby Dow; 15 Emma Sing. 16 Amy Cokayne, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Abi Burton; 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Helena Rowland. France XV: 1 Yllana Brosseau, 2 Manon Bigot, 3 Assia Khalfaoui; 4 Manae Feleu (capt.); 5 Madoussou Fall Raclot; 6 Charlotte Escuderol, 7 Lea Champon, 8 Teani Feleu; 9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus, 10 Carla Arbez; 11 Kelly Arbey, 12 Gabrielle Vernier, 13 Marine Menager (co-capt.), 14 Joanna Grizez; 15 Morgane Bourgeois. 16 Elisa Riffonneau, 17 Ambre Mwayembe, 18 Rose Bernadou, 19 Kiara Zago, 20 Axelle Berthoumieu, 21 Taina Maka; 22 Alexandra Chambon, 23 Lina Queyroi.
The Independent
26-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Is England v France on TV? How to watch Women's Six Nations grand slam decider
England and France meet in a Women's Six Nations grand slam decider as the tournament reaches its conclusion. The two competition heavyweights are again unbeaten entering the final weekend, with France hoping for a long-awaited victory over their rivals at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. It is 14 games now since England were last beaten by their closest European foes, though this rivalry is closer than that run suggests with a number of tight encounters over the years. Can a talented French side throw their hosts off course at the last opportunity before the World Cup later this year? Here's everything you need to know. When is England vs France? England vs France is due to kick off at 4.45pm BST on Saturday 26 April at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC Two, with coverage from 4.15pm BST. A live stream will be available via the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer. Team news Zoe Harrison has got the nod at fly half for England ahead of Holly Aitchison, despite the Bristol playmaker's impressive performance against Scotland. Claudia MacDonald does retain her spot ahead of Jess Breach on the wing, though, with Emma Sing given an opportunity at full-back after a hamstring injury ruled out Ellie Kildunne. France lost back rows Romane Menager and Stephanie Okemba to injury ahead of the final round, with Charlotte Escudero and Lea Champon promoted to the starting side on the flanks. Emilie Boulard is left out with young gun Kelly Arbey favoured on the wing, while France again favour a six forwards to two backs bench split. Line-ups England XV: 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Lark Atkin-Davies, 3 Maud Muir; 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Abbie Ward; 6 Zoe Aldcroft (capt.), 7 Maddie Feaunati, 8 Alex Matthews; 9 Natasha Hunt, 10 Zoe Harrison; 11 Claudia MacDonald, 12 Tatyana Heard, 13 Meg Jones, 14 Abby Dow; 15 Emma Sing. Replacements: 16 Amy Cokayne, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Abi Burton; 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Helena Rowland. France XV: 1 Yllana Brosseau, 2 Manon Bigot, 3 Assia Khalfaoui; 4 Manae Feleu (capt.); 5 Madoussou Fall Raclot; 6 Charlotte Escuderol, 7 Lea Champon, 8 Teani Feleu; 9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus, 10 Carla Arbez; 11 Kelly Arbey, 12 Gabrielle Vernier, 13 Marine Menager (co-capt.), 14 Joanna Grizez; 15 Morgane Bourgeois.
The Independent
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Zoe Harrison urges England to embrace the occasion in grand slam clash with France
Zoe Harrison has admitted that England will have to tune out the noise against France as they seek a Women's Six Nations grand slam. The Red Roses take on their closest rivals on the final weekend of the tournament with both sides unbeaten so far. A crowd of around 40,000 is expected at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham as England play their final competitive fixture before a home World Cup later this year. And speaking on match eve, Harrison, preferred at fly half to Holly Aitchison, discussed the impact of having a large crowd could have on a pivotal fixture. Harrison explained: 'You have to tune it out because you have to dial into what your cues are and what people are saying to you on the pitch. 'But also, when someone is making a line break or something and the crowd goes up and you hear them, it gives that bit of oomph to keep going.' England have won all four of their fixtures so far in this campaign by significant margins, but are still searching for a complete performance. 'We've just been talking about like an 80-minute performance, first half and second half,' Harrison added. 'Doing a bit here, doing a bit there, [and] just getting that full 80-minute performance in.' 'I feel like we are always trying to be at our best and maybe we haven't reached it yet. We've got this and then a World Cup, so it's how can we grow and how can we cut out any errors.' Speaking further on the World Cup with the tournament on the horizon, Harrison explained she is excited at the prospect of the upcoming home games. 'It's a lot nicer for a start, you don't have to fly to New Zealand or anything like that,' she said. 'Also, just having the home support, all your family and friends being able to come. 'Obviously, the last one was in New Zealand and only my dad could come out. So just having a home crowd and knowing the space that you're in [is exciting].' England face France at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with kick off at 4.45pm BST.
The Independent
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Ellie Kildunne ruled out of grand slam decider as Zoe Harrison starts at fly half for Red Roses
Zoe Harrison has been given the nod at fly half for England 's Women's Six Nations grand slam decider against France, but the Red Roses have been hit by an injury blow with Ellie Kildunne ruled out of the clash. Her controlling qualities and kicking game are likely to be key assets as the Red Roses take on a fellow unbeaten side seeking to secure a seventh successive competition crown. Full-back Kildunne, the reigning world player of the year, misses out due to a hamstring injury, with Emma Sing given a major opportunity after an outstanding Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) season. Claudia MacDonald retains her spot on the wing ahead of Jess Breach while there is no place in the matchday 23 for vice-captain Marlie Packer. England have won their last 14 meetings with France, but the visitors are the lone side in the competition to have pushed them close regularly over the last few years. Harrison's selection is the key call for head coach John Mitchell, who has worked to build further depth within his record-setting squad during this tournament as England gear up for a home World Cup later this year. The 27-year-old would now appear in pole position to take the 10 shirt at that tournament, though Aitchison and Helena Rowland offer significant versatility off the bench. The omission of Packer comes with Mitchell favouring a powerful back five in the pack that includes both Maddie Feaunati and Alex Matthews in the back row. Skipper Zoe Aldcroft continues on the blindside with Abbie Ward and Morwenna Talling paired at lock. Hooker Amy Cokayne returns from a pectoral injury on the bench with Abi Burton preferred to both Packer and Sadia Kabeya as back row cover. France, meanwhile, start Charlotte Escudero and Lea Champon on the flanks after losing back rows Romane Menager and Stephanie Okemba to injury ahead of the final round. Emilie Boulard is left out with young gun Kelly Arbey favoured on the wing, while they again favour a six forwards to two backs bench split. England XV to face France at Twickenham (4.45pm BST, Saturday 26 April): 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Lark Atkin-Davies, 3 Maud Muir; 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Abbie Ward; 6 Zoe Aldcroft (capt.), 7 Maddie Feaunati, 8 Alex Matthews; 9 Natasha Hunt, 10 Zoe Harrison; 11 Claudia MacDonald, 12 Tatyana Heard, 13 Meg Jones, 14 Abby Dow; 15 Emma Sing. Replacements: 16 Amy Cokayne, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Abi Burton; 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Helena Rowland. France XV: 1 Yllana Brosseau, 2 Manon Bigot, 3 Assia Khalfaoui; 4 Manae Feleu (capt.); 5 Madoussou Fall Raclot; 6 Charlotte Escuderol, 7 Lea Champon, 8 Teani Feleu; 9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus, 10 Carla Arbez; 11 Kelly Arbey, 12 Gabrielle Vernier, 13 Marine Menager (co-capt.), 14 Joanna Grizez; 15 Morgane Bourgeois.
