Red Roses hold off France in bruising Rugby World Cup showdown

England survived a late scare to beat France 13-7 and take a firm grip on their Rugby World Cup group. Emily Scarratt scored all of their points with a try, conversion and two penalties enough to secure a 27th consecutive victory for the Red Roses.

France were outpowered for much of an attritional contest in Whangarei, with Alex Matthews and Marlie Packer driving forces in the England pack. But they refused to yield and Gaëlle Hermet’s converted try set up a grandstand finish that England were relieved to emerge from with a second success in the competition.

England had routed Fiji 84-19 in their World Cup opener, but France presented a far more formidable test before the Red Roses’ final group game against South Africa. Captain Sarah Hunter made her 137th appearance to become the joint most-capped England player.

France, who had beaten South Africa 40-5 in their opener, had to soak up early pressure and were severely hampered by losing two influential players. Star scrum-half Laure Sansus departed in the 12th minute after suffering a potentially serious leg injury. No 8 Romane Ménager was knocked out after a tackle five minutes later and also left the field on a cart.

England’s domination told after 24 minutes with France pinned close to their line. After several phases Zoe Harrison slipped an inside pass to Scarratt, who showed her power to crash over. Scarratt added the extras and a penalty at the end of a first half which saw France make 127 tackles compared to England’s 35.

The pattern of the game remained the same after the break and Scarratt uncharacteristically spilled the ball with the try line calling. Hooker Amy Cokayne got over the line, but not for the first time a French body had burrowed underneath to