England's women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, delivered a spectacular performance against Wales in the 2026 Women’s Six Nations, crossing the try line ten times and finishing with a commanding 62-24 win. The match, played at Ashton Gate, showcased the depth and talent of the English squad, with several players making a significant impact on the scoreboard and the overall flow of the game.
From the opening minutes, England set the tone. Within six minutes, debutant Maddie Feaunati broke through the Welsh defence, sprinting into the 22 and grounding the ball for a try that was promptly converted by fly‑half Helena Rowland.
The early score gave the hosts a psychological edge and forced Wales to chase from the outset. Just moments later, another newcomer, Millie David, demonstrated her pace and finishing ability.
After receiving a long, incisive pass from centre Holly Aitchison, David evaded a defender and touched down, extending England’s lead. Unfortunately for David, her promising debut was cut short when she failed a head‑injury assessment and had to leave the field, but her early contribution set the stage for what would become a relentless attacking display. Wales, however, showed resilience.
Scrum‑half Keira Bevan collected the ball from the base of a ruck, spotted a gap in the English line, and powered over for a try. Demonstrating confidence, she also kicked the conversion herself, narrowing the deficit to 12-7 and giving the Welsh side a brief glimpse of momentum. England responded swiftly. Flanker Marlie Packer, who would later be named player of the match, powered over for her first try of the day, while centre Meg Jones followed with a brilliant solo effort that secured the bonus‑point try.
Rowland’s conversion was flawless, and Wales managed to add a try of their own when hooker Jones crossed after a well‑executed line‑out, but the English lead continued to widen. By halftime, the Red Roses enjoyed a comfortable 29-12 advantage.
The first half featured a dazzling sequence orchestrated by Jones, who started a fluid move that involved winger Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and centre Ellie Kildunne before finishing it herself. The fluidity of England’s back‑line, combined with the physicality of their forwards, left the Welsh defence scrambling.
The second half saw England maintain their intensity. Hooker Amy Cokayne broke away from a rolling maul to score, with Rowland 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.
Moloney‑MacDonald capitalised on the extra space, sprinting to the corner for a try that demonstrated her speed and finishing skill. Replacement centre Jess Breach followed with her own try, which was converted by fellow substitute Zoe Harrison, who would go on to add several more points from the tee. England’s depth shone as the match progressed.
Packer added a second try, and young forward Maud Muir, making her mark, also crossed the line. Both conversions were handled by Harrison, who displayed composure under pressure. Wales managed a consolation try through flanker Lewis, but the final scoreline reflected England’s dominance. In post‑match interviews, Marlie Packer expressed pride in the team’s performance, noting the improvement and character shown by Wales while emphasizing the honour of wearing the England jersey and playing in front of a sold‑out crowd at Ashton Gate.
She highlighted the supportive environment within the Red Roses camp, which she believes translates into high‑quality rugby on the pitch. Wales head coach Sean Lynn praised his side’s character, recalling how a year earlier the team might have collapsed under similar pressure. He acknowledged the defensive lapses that allowed England to amass 62 points but also recognised the clinical nature of the Red Roses.
Beyond the England‑Wales encounter, the tournament continued to produce compelling storylines. In the Stade Marcel‑Michelin, France faced Ireland in a clash that shifted the championship narrative from a three‑horse race to a head‑to‑head battle between the traditional powerhouses.
France emerged victorious with a 26-7 win, demonstrating the efficiency and composure required at the test level. Ireland, despite periods of inventive and dominant play, were undone by missed opportunities, including three disallowed tries and a faltering kicking game, ultimately leaving them with a disappointing result. The match also highlighted individual brilliance from Ireland’s side, with Aoife Wafer’s powerful carries and the defensive heroics of Anaïs Grando, whose try‑saving tackle kept the score level at halftime. However, the inability to capitalise on scoring chances proved costly.
Further north, Italy delivered a masterclass in high‑tempo, clinical rugby at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, dismantling Scotland 41-14. The Azzurre celebrated the 50th cap of veteran prop Silvia Turani, and their performance was marked by precision passing, swift off‑loads, and a relentless defensive line that stifled the Scottish attack. Scotland, hampered by the late withdrawal of captain Rachel Malcolm and a spate of injuries, struggled to match Italy’s ambition and accuracy.
Overall, the 2026 Women’s Six Nations continues to showcase the growing depth, skill, and competitiveness of women’s rugby across Europe. England’s emphatic victory over Wales not only reinforces their position at the top of the table but also highlights the importance of squad depth, tactical versatility, and the ability to sustain pressure throughout an entire match. As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to more high‑stakes encounters, with the final rounds poised to determine whether England can maintain their unbeaten run or if France or another challenger will rise to claim the championship.