England's women's rugby team, known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with ten tries in a 62-24 victory that secured their third consecutive win and kept their perfect record in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations intact. The match opened explosively, with Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each crossing the try line twice, while a host of other England players added their own scores to the tally.
The scoring barrage began just six minutes after kickoff when debutant Maddie Feaunati burst through the Welsh defence, diving into the 22 and grounding the ball for an early try. Helena Rowland promptly added the conversion, giving England an early lead. Six minutes later, Millie David, another newcomer, collected a long pass from Holly Aitchison and sprinted the length of the field to score, although her day was cut short after a head injury assessment forced her off the pitch.
Wales responded with determination, narrowing the gap when scrum-half Keira Bevan snatched a ball from a ruck, slipped through a gap and grounded the ball herself, then converted her own try to make the score 12‑7. However, England’s momentum was unstoppable. Flanker Marlie Packer powered over the line, and centre Meg Jones followed with a solo effort that secured a bonus point, with Rowland converting from the first attempt.
Wales managed a consolation try when hooker Jones finished a well-rehearsed line‑out move. By halftime, the Red Roses had extended their lead to 29‑12. The first half featured a thrilling sequence in which Jones began an attack that involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and Ellie Kildunne before culminating in a try for Jones herself.
The second half continued the onslaught. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul to score, and Rowland added the two points from the conversion. Shortly after, full‑back Kayleigh Powell was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, further weakening the Welsh side. England capitalised immediately.
Moloney‑MacDonald finished a corner move with precision, and Jess Breach, coming off the bench, added the eighth try, converted by replacement Zoe Harrison. The scoring spree continued with Packer and Maud Muir each touching down, both conversions again taken by Harrison. Wales managed a final try through lock Seren Lockwood, which earned them a bonus point, but the result was already decided. Marlie Packer was named player of the match.
In her interview with the BBC she praised her teammates and the atmosphere: "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 packed Ashton Gate was incredible. Selling out stadiums means everything to us; we want to give fans a show they’ll enjoy. Being in camp with the Red Roses is a great environment, and it helps us 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 folded, but they fought back with two tries and earned a bonus point.
We’re disappointed to have given away 62 points, but England were clinical." The broader tournament narrative shifted after the match. In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France defeated Ireland 26‑7, turning the competition from a three‑horse race into a direct showdown between the traditional powerhouses. France’s win brought them level with England at the top of the table, setting up a climactic finale. Ireland, despite a period of dominance early in the game, were undone by missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game, which turned a potential historic victory into a painful defeat.
Earlier in the week, Italy showcased a masterclass in high‑tempo, clinical rugby at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, crushing Scotland 41‑14. The match celebrated the 50th cap of pioneering Italian centre Silvia Turani, whose performance epitomised precision and composure.
Scotland, hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a spate of injuries, struggled to match Italy’s ambition and accuracy, highlighting the growing gap between the two sides. Overall, the England‑Wales encounter underscored the Red Roses’ depth, athleticism, and tactical acumen. With a blend of experienced internationals and impactful newcomers, England demonstrated why they remain the benchmark in women’s rugby. Their ability to maintain intensity, adapt to setbacks such as injuries and disciplinary issues, and finish matches with a high conversion rate will be crucial as the Six Nations progresses toward its decisive stages.
The tournament now looks set for a thrilling climax, with England and France locked in a tight race for the championship, while Wales, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland each seek to rebuild and challenge the established order in future fixtures.