England's women's rugby side, the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a ten‑try victory that ended 62‑24 in the Women's Six Nations. The match showcased the depth and talent of the English squad, with several players crossing the try line more than once and a host of newcomers making an immediate impact.
From the opening whistle, England set the tone with aggressive attacking play. Within the first six minutes, debutant Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22‑metre area and grounding the ball for a try. Helena Rowland added the conversion, giving the hosts an early lead.
Just moments later, Millie David, another fresh face on the field, received a long pass from Holly Aitchison, accelerated past the Welsh back‑line and scored her own try. Unfortunately for David, her day was cut short after she failed a head‑injury assessment and had to leave the pitch. Wales responded quickly, refusing to be swept aside. Scrum‑half Keira Bevan seized a loose ball at the base of a ruck, darted through a gap and, displaying composure beyond her years, grounded the ball and then kicked her own conversion.
The score moved to 12‑7, signalling that the visitors were still in contention. England, however, kept the pressure relentless.
Flanker Marlie Packer powered over the line, and shortly after, centre Meg Jones executed a dazzling solo run that resulted in another try, securing a bonus‑point try for England. Rowland was flawless with the kick, extending the lead. Wales managed to answer with a well‑executed line‑out move that saw hooker Jones touch down, but the English side continued to dominate. By halftime, the scoreboard read 29‑12 in favour of England.
The first half featured a series of impressive individual efforts, including a coordinated attack involving winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and fly‑half Ellie Kildunne, which culminated in a try for Jones. The Red Roses’ fluid combination play and relentless forward momentum left the Welsh defence scrambling. The second half saw England maintain their intensity.
Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul and scored, with Rowland again adding the conversion. Wales suffered a setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their defensive options. Seizing the opportunity, Moloney‑MacDonald finished a swift move in the corner, and replacement Jess Breach added the eighth English try, converted by fellow substitute Zoe Harrison.
Further tries followed from Packer and Maud Muir, each conversion again taken by Harrison, pushing England’s tally to ten. Wales managed a late consolation try from flanker Seren Lockwood, securing a bonus point for the visitors as the match drew to a close. Marlie Packer was named player of the match. 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 and I’m proud of their performance. Wearing this shirt is an honour, and playing in front of a sold‑out crowd is incredible. The support means everything to us, and we love being part of the Red Roses environment where we can produce this kind of product on the pitch." Wales head coach Sean Lynn also reflected on the game, highlighting the character shown by his side: "That’s what I asked the girls for today – character.
A year ago we might have flopped, but they fought back with two tries and earned a bonus point. We’re disappointed to have conceded 62 points, but England were clinical." 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. France’s 26‑7 win over Ireland in the Stade Marcel‑Michelin underscored the importance of efficiency in test rugby. Ireland displayed moments of brilliance, particularly through the powerful carries of Aoife Wafer, but missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game, ultimately cost them a historic victory.
Meanwhile, in Italy, the Azzurre celebrated Silvia Turani’s 50th cap with a clinical 41‑14 demolition of Scotland at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. Italy’s high‑tempo, precision‑driven style left the Scottish side, hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and several injuries, unable to keep pace. Overall, England’s ten‑try triumph over Wales not only secured their third consecutive win in the tournament but also reinforced their position at the top of the table.
The Red Roses’ blend of experienced internationals and impactful newcomers, combined with a relentless attacking philosophy, suggests they will remain the team to beat as the Six Nations progresses toward its climactic finale.