England survive France rally to win Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam



England’s flanker Marlie Packer celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam at the end of the Six Nations international women’s rugby union match between England and France at Twickenham in south-west London on April 29, 2023. – England won 38 – 33 against France. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

England proved just too strong for France as they won 38-33 to complete a Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam in front of a world record crowd at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Red Roses dominated the opening 40 minutes in front of a crowd of 58,498 — the highest attendance for a stand-alone women’s international, topping the 42,579 attendance for England’s World Cup final loss to New Zealand in Auckland in November — to lead 33-0 at half-time.

There seemed no way back for France, also bidding for a Grand Slam, after they had conceded five tries and been reduced to 13 players by two yellow cards.

But in a classic ‘game of two halves’ France won the second period 33-5, with Lark Davies’ try as the hosts’ lone score of the half.

The clock, however, was always against France as England clinched a fifth successive Women’s Six Nations title in coach Simon Middleton’s last game in charge after eight years at the helm.

“I am super proud, the whole squad in this Six Nations has got us to where we are today and it is amazing,” England captain Marlie Packer told the BBC.

“We knew they (France) would be tough, they played to the 80th minute and kept asking questions of us so credit to them.”

– ‘Couldn’t wish for more’ –

She added: “Simon’s team talk just then had me in tears. He has been amazing for what he has done for women’s rugby.”

An emotional Middleton said: “You couldn’t wish for more than this. It’s