England’s women’s rugby side put on a spectacular display at Murrayfield, crossing the try line twelve times as they thrashed Scotland 84-7 in the second round of the 2024 Women’s Six Nations. The match, played in front of a crowd of 30,498, saw the Red Roses dominate from start to finish, securing a bonus‑point win and cementing their position at the top of the tournament table. The game began with Scotland enjoying a brief spell of possession in the opening minutes, but England quickly shook off any early pressure.
Within eight minutes, England’s wing Ellie Kildunne, who had been shifted from full‑back to the wing to replace Emma Sing, received a breakaway pass from Maddie Feaunati and sprinted to the try line, giving the hosts a 7-0 lead after Zoe Harrison’s conversion. Kildunne’s speed proved a constant threat throughout the match, and she went on to score a second try in the 23rd minute, marking her 50th international try. England’s first‑half onslaught continued with a series of well‑executed moves. Sadia Kabeya broke through the Scottish defence shortly after the opening score, and captain Meg Jones added a try that saw the score climb to 14-0.
Kildunne’s second try, a perfectly timed pass from Jones, pushed the margin to 21-0. Forward Kelsey Clifford then powered over from close range, sealing the bonus‑point try and taking the tally to 28-0 after another successful conversion by Harrison. Scotland’s lone bright moment came when winger Rhona Lloyd collected a superb high kick and crossed for a try, becoming the first woman ever to score for Scotland in a stand‑alone fixture at Murrayfield.
Helen Nelson added the conversion, narrowing the gap to 28-7, but England’s momentum was unstoppable. The second half saw England maintain their relentless pace. Amy Cokayne, a reliable presence in the back row, scored early in the half, extending the lead to 42-7 after Harrison’s flawless boot.
Sarah Bern then demonstrated her power by scoring two tries in quick succession (54th and 60th minutes), pushing the Red Roses past the 50‑point mark. Veteran Marlie Packer added her name to the scoresheet with the ninth try, while Kabeya returned to the line for the tenth.
The Scottish defence, already under immense pressure, began to crumble under the combination of England’s attacking flair and the errors they forced from the hosts. In the final minutes, the younger members of the squad were given the opportunity to shine. Mia Venner, on just her third test cap, scored a try on the corner in the 77th minute, and Haineala Lutui, playing her second test, capped the demolition with a try in the closing seconds. Zoe Harrison completed the conversion tally, landing her 12th successful kick of the day and sealing an 84-7 victory.
The match also highlighted the depth of England’s squad. Due to a spate of injuries, five changes were made from the opening win over Ireland.
Notably, Alex Matthews missed the game with a shoulder injury, while Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell and Tatyana Heard were ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. Despite these absences, the team showed no signs of weakness, with the new lineup seamlessly integrating and delivering a performance that left no doubt about England’s superiority.
Coach John Mitchell’s selection decisions paid off handsomely, as the blend of experienced campaigners and fresh talent produced a fluid, attacking style that overwhelmed the Scottish side at every turn. The Red Roses’ defensive structure also held firm, limiting Scotland to just one try and a handful of points despite the occasional lapse. Statistically, England’s dominance was evident: twelve tries, twelve conversions, and a total of 84 points.
Scotland managed only a single try and a conversion, finishing with seven points. The comprehensive win not only gave England the maximum points from the match but also sent a clear message to the rest of the Six Nations field about the level of performance required to challenge them. In the broader context of the tournament, this victory propelled England to the top of the standings, sitting ahead of France on points difference. The result also underscored the growing gap between the traditional powerhouses and the developing nations within women’s rugby, highlighting the importance of investment, depth, and professional structures.
Post‑match reactions reflected the pride and confidence within the England camp. Captain Meg Jones told BBC Sport, “We were relentless today. Every player adapted brilliantly, and we capitalised on every chance we got inside the 22.” Former England World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi added, “The forwards really stepped up.
This side has a powerful game and it was an impressive display. Scoring twelve tries shows just how good this team is.” For Scotland, the defeat was a sobering experience. Despite the historic moment for Rhona Lloyd, the team will need to regroup and address defensive frailties highlighted by England’s relentless pressure.
Coach and supporters alike will look to rebuild ahead of the remaining fixtures in the championship. Overall, the match was a showcase of England’s attacking prowess, depth of talent, and tactical acumen, setting a high benchmark for the rest of the Women’s Six Nations season.