England’s women’s rugby side, popularly known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a total of ten tries in a 62‑24 victory that cemented their perfect record in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match opened with a burst of energy, as Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each crossed the line twice, showcasing the depth and attacking flair of the English squad.
Alongside them, debutant Millie David, Maddie Feaunati, Amy Cokayne, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Jess Breach and Maud Muir all added to the scoreboard, creating a relentless onslaught that left the Welsh defence scrambling. From the first whistle, England signalled its intent. Within six minutes, Feaunati broke through the Welsh 22, sprinting to the try‑line and grounding the ball after a powerful drive that forced the Welsh back‑line into a defensive scramble.
Helena Rowland’s conversion was swift, putting the hosts ahead early and setting the tone for the rest of the half. Just moments later, Millie David, who had just earned her first cap, collected a long pass from Holly Aitchison, burst down the flank and dived over for her maiden international try.
Unfortunately, her celebration was cut short when a head‑injury assessment forced her off the field, a reminder of the sport’s strict safety protocols. Wales, however, refused to be mere spectators.
Scrum‑half Keira Bevan capitalised on a turnover at the base of a ruck, spotting a gap and sprinting through to score, then converting her own try to narrow the gap to 12‑7. This early response demonstrated the Welsh side’s resilience and hinted at a possible comeback, but England’s momentum proved too strong. Flanker Marlie Packer powered over the line, followed shortly by centre Meg Jones, whose solo effort highlighted her speed and footwork, securing a bonus‑point try that was neatly converted by Rowland.
Wales managed a consolation try from hooker Jones, who capitalised on a well‑executed line‑out, but the scoreboard remained firmly in England’s favour. At the break, the Red Roses led 29‑12, a lead built on a series of fluid, multi‑phase attacks that involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and play‑maker Ellie Kildunne. The second half continued in the same vein.
Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul to touch down, with Rowland adding the conversion, while Welsh full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, further tilting the balance. Moloney‑MacDonald responded with a dazzling finish in the corner, and replacement Jess Breach added the eighth try, converted by Zoe Harrison, who would later add several more points from the tee.
England’s bench continued to make an impact. Marlie Packer’s second try, followed by Maud Muir’s effort, were both converted by Harrison, pushing the total to ten tries. Wales managed a final try from lock Seren Lockwood, securing a bonus point for the visitors, but the clock had already run down on England’s dominance. Marlie Packer was named player of the match, and in her interview with the BBC she praised her teammates and the atmosphere at Ashton Gate: “We’re really pleased.
Wales gave us a tough game and have improved massively. Our young squad stepped up today, and I’m proud of the girls’ performance. Wearing this shirt is an honour, and playing in front of a sold‑out crowd is incredible.
It means everything to us to put on a show for the fans and to keep the Red Roses environment positive and productive.” Wales head coach Sean Lynn also reflected on the result, noting the character shown by his side: “That’s what I asked the girls for today – character. A year ago we might have folded, but they fought back with two tries and earned a bonus point. We’re disappointed to have conceded 62 points, but England were clinical and deserved the win.” The match was part of a broader narrative in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations, where the competition has shifted from a three‑horse race to a direct showdown between the traditional powerhouses. In France, a decisive 26‑7 win over Ireland at the Stade Marcel‑Michelin highlighted the French team’s efficiency and composure under pressure, bringing them level with England at the top of the table.
Ireland’s early dominance, driven by Aoife Wafer’s powerful carries, was undermined by missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game, ultimately costing them a historic victory. Meanwhile, in Italy, the Azzurre celebrated Silvia Turani’s 50th cap with a masterclass performance, dismantling Scotland 41‑14 at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. Italy’s high‑tempo, clinical style left the Scots trailing, especially after the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a series of injuries that hampered their competitiveness.
Overall, the England‑Wales encounter not only reinforced the Red Roses’ status as the tournament favourites but also showcased the growing depth of talent across the women’s game. With England maintaining a 100 percent record and securing a third consecutive win, the stage is set for a dramatic climax to the championship, where every point will be fiercely contested and the pursuit of the Six Nations title will continue to inspire fans worldwide.