England crushes Samoa: Breach hat-trick and records at the Rugby World Cup

England Crushes Samoa and Sets New Records at the Women’s Rugby World Cup

In a historic encounter in Northampton, England demonstrated their superiority in the Women’s Rugby World Cup by defeating Samoa with a resounding score of 92-3. The match, which took place on Saturday, not only consolidated the dominance of the Red Roses, but also allowed them to break multiple records. The expectations were high for the second-round match of Group A, and the English team did not disappoint. Before an audience of 13,615 fans at Franklin’s Gardens, England scored 14 tries, including a hat-trick by Jess Breach. The final score set a new record for the Red Roses at the World Cup, surpassing their previous 82-0 victory over Kazakhstan in the 2010 edition. In addition, they also surpassed their previous record for points scored, which was 84-19 against Fiji in 2022. Helena Rowland was a key figure in the victory, converting 11 of England’s 14 tries and scoring a try of her own, giving her a total of 27 points. This figure allowed her to surpass the record for points scored by an English player in a Women’s World Cup match, leaving behind Sue Day’s 25 points (against Italy in 2002) and Nicky Crawford’s (against Sweden in 1998).

The match was expected to be favorable for England, considering the difference between a professional team and one composed mostly of amateur players, many of whom had to take unpaid leave from their jobs to participate in the World Cup. With professional contracts and the pressure of being the favorites, the Red Roses faced a Samoan team that, despite being aware of their “underdog” status, committed to giving their best. Samoa’s motto for the week was “Mission: Impossible”, and although there was no lack of effort or physicality, they failed to stop the Red Roses, who made 13 changes from their initial 69-7 victory against the United States the previous Friday. With regular captain Zoe Aldcroft out of action for the rest of the group stage, Maggie Packer led England from the open side, with Breach and Megan Jones as the only players from the starting eleven who faced the United States in Sunderland. Jones had an outstanding performance as center, while the combination of Lucy Packer and Helena Rowland’s halves dismantled the Samoan defense. Breach also secured a well-deserved hat-trick after being a constant threat.

The first half unfolded as planned. England scored within three minutes, with Jones crossing after a pass from Kelsey Clifford. Samoa showed a lot of aggression in defense, but made no headway in attack, despite a failed attempt at an innovative play in the lineout. The brief Samoan respite ended soon, with Breach scoring England’s second try and securing the bonus point before the first quarter, with Sarah Bern and Jones scoring before the 16th minute.

While records were being checked, the Red Roses scrum destroyed Samoa’s, allowing them to score in the 23rd minute with Feaunati. The weather conditions did not help either team, and England would score twice more before halftime, thanks to Lark Atkin-Davies and Lucy Packer. Samoa finished the first half on the rise, but failed to score to reward their effort and the passionate support from the stands. However, there were few celebrations like those that followed Samoa’s penalty just after the break. After losing their first match 73-0 against Australia, Harmony Vatau scored the first points of their World Cup campaign with a penalty from 32 meters.

Breach got his second try, and the Red Roses, boosted by the change of their entire first line, saw Mackenzie Carson cross for their tenth score. Breach and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald continued to gain ground, but Rowland scored the next try, reaching 25 personal points. England emptied the bench, but continued to score relentlessly with Marley Packer, and Breach scored his third in the 74th minute. Moloney-Macdonald put the finishing touch on the thrashing by scoring in the last play of the match, with Rowland converting again to secure their place in the Red Roses’ record books. For Samoa, the defeat means their participation in the World Cup will end in the group stage, but England now has two wins and is already aiming for the knockout stages, before facing Australia in Brighton next Saturday.