England's women's rugby team, known as the Red Roses, put on a spectacular display at Ashton Gate, overwhelming Wales with a total of ten tries in a 62-24 win that cemented their perfect record in the 2026 Women's Six Nations. The match opened with a burst of energy from the English side, as Meg Jones and Marlie Packer each crossed the line twice, showcasing their finishing prowess and setting the tone for what would become a relentless onslaught. Early on, newcomer Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence and sprinted deep into the opponent's 22-metre area, eventually grounding the ball for a try that put England ahead within the first six minutes.
Helena Rowland added the conversion, giving the hosts an early 7-0 lead. Just moments later, Millie David, another debutant, received a long pass from Holly Aitchison, accelerated past the defensive line and touched down, extending the margin to 14-0. Unfortunately for David, her day was cut short after a routine head injury assessment forced her off the field.
Wales responded with determination, refusing to be swept aside. Scrum-half Keira Bevan scooped a loose ball from a ruck, found a gap, and powered over for a try of her own.
Demonstrating quick thinking, she also converted her own effort, narrowing the deficit to 14-7 and giving the Welsh side a brief glimmer of hope. However, England's momentum was unshakable. Flanker Marlie Packer powered over for her second try, while centre Meg Jones produced a brilliant solo run that earned her a bonus-point try, with Rowland nailing the conversion on her first attempt.
Wales managed a further try from hooker Jones after a well-executed line‑out, but the scoreline continued to drift further in England's favour. By the halftime whistle, the Red Roses led 29-12. The first half had featured a dazzling array of attacking moves, including a fluid sequence that began with Jones, involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, and finished with Ellie Kildunne, illustrating England's depth and creativity across the backline. The scoreboard reflected not only the sheer number of tries but also the efficiency of England's set‑piece and open‑play execution.
The second half saw England maintain their dominance. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul and grounded the ball, with Rowland adding the two points from the conversion. Wales suffered a setback when full‑back Kayleigh Powell received a yellow card for a deliberate knock‑on, reducing their defensive options.
Moloney‑MacDonald seized the opportunity, sprinting to the corner and scoring a try that highlighted her speed and finishing ability. Replacement Zoe Harrison, who had come off the bench, successfully converted the score, keeping the rhythm of points flowing. Further tries followed from Marlie Packer and Maud Muir, each converted by Harrison, pushing England's total to ten tries. Wales managed a consolation try from flanker Seren Lockwood near the end, but the bonus point secured by England underscored their superiority throughout the match.
Marlie Packer was named player of the match, and in her post‑game 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," she said. Packer emphasized the significance of playing in front of a sold‑out crowd, noting how the support fuels the team's ambition and highlights the growing popularity of women's rugby. Wales head coach Sean Lynn also spoke to the BBC, commending his side's resilience.
"I asked the girls for character today. 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 and deserved the win," he remarked. Beyond the England‑Wales encounter, the tournament featured other pivotal fixtures that reshaped the championship narrative. In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France delivered a decisive 26-7 victory over Ireland, turning what had been a three‑horse race into a head‑to‑head showdown between the traditional powerhouses. While Ireland displayed flashes of brilliance, especially through the powerful carries of Aoife Wafer, their inability to convert opportunities—three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game—proved costly.
France's disciplined, efficient play allowed them to level with England at the top of the table, setting up a climactic finish to the tournament. Meanwhile, in the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Italy celebrated the 50th cap of veteran prop Silvia Turani with a masterclass performance, dismantling Scotland 41-14. The Azzurre executed a high‑tempo, precision‑driven game plan, scoring early and often, while Scotland struggled after the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a series of injuries that left them short‑handed. Italy's clinical approach highlighted the growing competitiveness of the women's game across Europe.
Overall, the 2026 Women's Six Nations has illustrated the expanding depth, skill, and excitement within women's rugby. England's flawless run, bolstered by a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, underscores their status as the benchmark for the sport. As the tournament moves toward its final rounds, fans can anticipate further thrilling contests, with the Red Roses aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak and other nations eager to challenge their dominance and claim the coveted championship title.