England's women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance against Wales at Ashton Gate, crossing the try line ten times in a 62-24 rout that underscored their dominance in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The match opened explosively, with Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each securing a brace, while a host of other England players added their names to the scoresheet, highlighting the depth and versatility of the squad.
From the first whistle, England signalled their intent. Within six minutes, debutante Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22 and grounding the ball close to the line.
Helena Rowland promptly added the conversion, putting the hosts ahead early and setting the tone for what would become a relentless offensive onslaught. Just moments later, Millie David, another newcomer, collected a long pass from Holly Aitchison and raced to the try line, extending the lead. Although David’s day was cut short after she failed a head‑injury assessment, her early contribution demonstrated the emerging talent feeding England’s pipeline.
Wales, far from being mere spectators, responded with vigor. Scrum‑half Keira Bevan snatched a quick ball from the base of a ruck, exploited a gap, and crossed for a try, converting her own effort to bring the score to 12‑7.
This brief surge showed that the Welsh side possessed the ability to challenge the Red Roses, even if they ultimately could not sustain the pressure. England’s momentum, however, was unstoppable.
Flanker Marlie Packer powered over the line, followed by centre Meg Jones, who executed a brilliant solo run that secured a bonus‑point try. Rowland’s conversion from the touchline was flawless, and Wales managed to add a try of their own when hooker Jones finished a well‑executed line‑out move, but the gap continued to widen.
At the halftime whistle, England enjoyed a comfortable 29‑12 advantage. The first half had featured a dazzling sequence of attacks, including a fluid move that began with Jones, threaded through winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, and culminated in a try for Ellie Kildunne.
The combination of power, speed, and precision in England’s back‑row and back‑line was evident, and the crowd at Ashton Gate could feel the excitement building. The second half saw England maintain their clinical edge. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul to score, with Rowland adding the conversion, further extending the lead.
Wales suffered a setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their defensive options. England capitalised quickly; Moloney‑MacDonald finished a corner try with poise, and Jess Breach added another, both conversions taken by replacement Zoe Harrison. Marlie Packer and Maud Muir each added further tries, with Harrison again converting, pushing England’s tally to ten.
Wales managed a consolation try from flanker Lewis, but the final nail in the coffin came when Seren Lockwood crossed the line in the closing minutes, securing a bonus point for England and sealing a 62‑24 victory. Marlie Packer was named player of the match, and her post‑game comments to the BBC captured the pride and responsibility felt by the squad: "Wales gave us a tough game and have improved massively.
Our young players stepped up, and wearing this shirt is a massive honour. Playing in front of a sold‑out crowd at Ashton Gate is incredible, and we love providing a product that makes our supporters proud." Wales head coach Sean Lynn praised his side’s character despite the loss: "I asked the girls for character today. A year ago we might have collapsed, but they fought back with two tries and earned a bonus point.
We’re disappointed to concede 62 points, but England were clinical and deserved the win." The broader context of the tournament saw other key fixtures shaping the championship narrative. In France, a hard‑fought 26‑7 victory over Ireland at the Stade Marcel‑Michelin turned the competition into a head‑to‑head battle between the traditional powerhouses. France’s efficiency and composure under pressure highlighted the unforgiving nature of test rugby, while Ireland’s missed opportunities—three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game—proved costly. Meanwhile, in Italy, the Azzurre celebrated Silvia Turani’s 50th cap by delivering a masterclass against Scotland, winning 41‑14 at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Italy’s high‑tempo, precise play dismantled a Scottish side hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a series of injuries, underscoring the growing competitiveness of the women's game across Europe. Overall, England’s ten‑try demolition of Wales not only reinforced their unbeaten record in the Six Nations but also showcased the depth of talent emerging from the English system.
The blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers created a dynamic, adaptable unit capable of overwhelming opponents with both power and flair. As the tournament progresses, the Red Roses will look to maintain their momentum, aiming to secure the championship title and continue building a legacy that inspires the next generation of female rugby players.