- The Purple Roses bought their bumper season off to a successful begin in opposition to France
- Marlie Packer and Jess Breach scored two tries every within the 38-19 victory
- The Purple Roses now sit up for a mouthwatering conflict in opposition to New Zealand
Marlie Packer stated her England aspect could be prepared for ‘one hell of an encounter’ with New Zealand on Saturday after the Purple Roses kicked off an enormous season with victory over France.
Packer will hope to raise the Ladies’s World Cup on house soil this time subsequent yr. John Mitchell’s aspect are agency favourites to win that match.
Of their first sport of the 2024/25 season, England have been – maybe understandably – nowhere close to their greatest at Kingsholm. Nevertheless it was nonetheless sufficient for a 14th straight victory over Les Bleus.
Subsequent up for England are the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium, previously Twickenham.
‘It’s going to be the world champions in opposition to the world No 1’s – It would not actually get a lot better than that,’ stated Packer, who scored two of England’s six tries.
The Purple Roses kicked off their enormous season with a snug 38-19 victory over France
Jess Breach contributed two tries to the Purple Roses’ complete tally of six in opposition to the French
‘It’s going to be one hell of an encounter. If folks have not bought their tickets, they should get them now as a result of it’ll be a bodily encounter.
‘Each units of packs will come alive and be electrical. It is one to not miss.’
Packer’s brace took her into fourth on the listing of England ladies’s all-time try-scorers.
‘We needed actually powerful pre-season fixtures to seek out out the place we’re,’ stated Packer. ‘We’re actually going to be going for that New Zealand sport.’
England are ladies’s rugby’s dominant pressure. They haven’t misplaced for the reason that final World Cup ultimate to New Zealand in Auckland in 2022.
Their spectacular energy in depth was proven in Gloucester by the very fact lock Abbie Ward was within the stands along with her household. England’s dealing with should enhance for New Zealand.
However like Packer, Jess Breach additionally crossed twice. Helena Rowland and Lucy Packer accomplished the scoring. France grabbed three tries of their very own regardless of by no means wanting like successful.
England forwards Hannah Botterman, Zoe Aldcroft and Maddie Feaunati stood out, the latter on her first Take a look at begin.
Holly Aitchison kicked 4 conversions for England in a win the place they weren’t at their greatest
The Purple Roses know they will have to enhance after they tackle New Zealand at Twickenham
Centre Tatyana Heard additionally impressed along with her carrying, though she did throw two unfastened passes.
‘I all the time thought it was going to be a bit messy and it was,’ stated head coach Mitchell.
A knock to the electrical Ellie Kildunne was one concern for England.
England 38-19 France
England Tries: M Packer (2), Breach (2), Rowland, L Packer
Cons: Aitchison (4)
France Tries: Sochat, R Menager, Bourdon Sansus
Cons: Tuy (2)
Referee: Kat Roche (USA)
Attendance: 7,590
Participant of the match: Tatyana Heard (England)
