Wales Women thumped again by England but fighting spirit offers hope

England thumped Wales in the Women’s Six Nations again as the world number ones powered to victory in Bristol.

Wales didn’t learn their lessons from their defeat to Scotland last weekend as they failed to take their opportunities in the first half despite enjoying plenty of territory. In the end, they were punished by the Red Roses’ pace and power as they put eight tries past Ioan Cunningham’s side to seal a 46-10 win.

While they didn’t let their heads drop with some fine attacking play late on, an early penalty from Lleucu George and a well-taken try from replacement scrum-half Keira Bevan is all the visitors have to show from a tough afternoon at Ashton Gate - one that puts their WXV1 qualification hopes in further jeopardy.

Ahead of the clash, Cunningham had made six changes to the team that lost to Scotland, with a seventh enforced by wing Jasmine Joyce pulling out through injury on Friday. Kelsey Jones and Nel Metcalfe were also forced to drop out, while the likes of the experienced Bevan, Natalia John and Alisha Butchers started on the bench.

After admitting their disappointment at how they started the tournament, Wales looked keen to make amends and went ahead early on through George’s penalty in front of the post. However, it would be the only time they would lead as England, despite a sloppy start, made their quality count.

Moments after the Welsh fly-half had put her side ahead from the tee, the hosts responded in style as Abbie Dow sped through the Welsh defence before being hauled down just shy of the line. While she didn’t quite make it, Maud Muir was on hand to cross and put England back in the lead.

Zoe Aldcroft added a second shortly after and while Wales were their own worst enemy at times by spurning chances