Marlie Packer scores hat-trick of tries as England overpower Scotland

Glorious sunshine ushered in a new era for the Women’s Six Nations but anyone not affiliated with England would have felt a cold shiver after a brutal display from the Red Roses in Edinburgh. Marlie Packer scored three tries with six of her teammates registering one apiece as the world No 1 team obliterated Scotland to begin their title defence in some style.

It was a scrappy start, though, as passes failed to meet their intended destination and those that did were grassed. Scotland’s set piece and tenacity at the breakdown caused some early discomfort for England. But the indomitable machine soon spluttered into life and once it did there was only going to be one result.

The rout began on eight minutes when the impressive Leanne Infante tapped quickly from a penalty and cut up field. Poppy Cleall brought it close to the line before Packer burrowed over for her 22nd try for her country.

Cleall had one of her own shortly after thanks to England’s direct approach around the fringe with Packer punching holes in the tight channel. Emily Scarratt, playing her first Test for 11 months, converted to nudge England’s Six Nations tally beyond 4,000 points.

Scotland replied with a wonderful score that began with a lineout on the right and ended with Chloe Rollie diving over near the left corner, but this was a rare riposte. Three England tries in nine minutes secured the bonus point and ended the contest.

Helena Rowland is a fly-half but she attacks the line and welcomes the collision like a back-rower. It was her dart that sucked in three defenders before an offload unleashed Heather Cowell down the right. Not to be undone, Abigail Dow ran in from 30 metres after a strong hand-off and clever step and then Packer bagged her second