England Crushes Samoa and Sets New Records at the Women’s Rugby World Cup
In a historic encounter in Northampton, England demonstrated its supremacy in women’s rugby by defeating Samoa with a score of 92-3. The match, corresponding to the second day of Group A of the World Cup, witnessed the exhibition of the “Red Roses” and the achievement of multiple records.
Before an audience of 13,615 fans at Franklin’s Gardens, England scored 14 tries, highlighting Jess Breach’s hat-trick. This result not only surpassed the previous victory of the English women over Kazakhstan in 2010 (82-0), but also the record for points scored in a match, previously established at 84-19 against Fiji in 2022.
Helena Rowland was key in the victory, converting 11 of the 14 tries and adding another try for a total of 27 points. With this performance, Rowland surpassed the individual points record of an English player in the World Cup, leaving behind Sue Day’s 25 points (vs. Italy in 2002) and Nicky Crawford’s (vs. Sweden in 1998).The match, which pitted the most dominant team in women’s rugby against a team of amateur players, was marked by England’s superiority. Samoa, despite their effort and dedication, could not stop the “Red Roses”, who made 13 changes to their starting lineup.
Maggie Packer led England, with Breach and Megan Jones as the only players who repeated in the starting eleven. Jones had an outstanding performance, while the midfield pair, Lucy Packer and Helena Rowland, dismantled the Samoan defense. Breach, with her three tries, proved to be a constant threat.
England took the lead quickly, with Jones scoring after an assist from Kelsey Clifford. Despite Samoa’s physical defense, and a failed attempt at an innovative play, England continued to dominate. Sarah Bern and Jones extended the lead in the first 16 minutes.
The weather conditions did not favor either team, but England managed two more tries before halftime. Samoa, despite improving in the second half, could not score any points.
The only moment of celebration for Samoa came with a penalty by Harmony Vatau, which broke the score for his team. However, England regained control with a try by Clifford.Breach scored his second try, and Mackenzie Carson the tenth for England. Rowland, with another try, reached 25 personal points. The English dominance continued, with Marley Packer and Breach adding more tries. Moloney-Macdonald closed the scoring in the last minute, securing the victory.
For Samoa, the defeat means elimination in the group stage. England, for its part, advances undefeated and prepares to face Australia in Brighton.
