England Crushes Samoa in Women’s Rugby World Cup, Breaking Records
In a historic encounter, England demonstrated their prowess in the Women’s Rugby World Cup by defeating Samoa with a resounding score of 92-3. The match, held in Northampton, witnessed a display of rugby that broke multiple records.
The “Red Roses”, as the English team is known, were the clear favorites for this second-round match of Group A. Before an audience of 13,615 fans at Franklin’s Gardens, England scored 14 tries, including a “hat trick” by Jess Breach.
The final result not only set a record for the “Red Roses” at the World Cup, surpassing their 82-0 victory against Kazakhstan in 2010, but also eclipsed their previous record for points scored, established in their 84-19 victory over Fiji in 2022.
Helena Rowland converted 11 of England’s 14 tries, and adding her own score, accumulated 27 points, surpassing the individual points record of 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).Jess Breach’s speed on the wing was unstoppable for Samoa.
The match was anticipated to be favorable for England, facing the most dominant national team in the sport against a team of amateur players, many of whom had to take unpaid leave from their jobs to participate in the World Cup.
England, with professional contracts and the pressure of being the favorite, faced a Samoan team aware of its “underdog” role, but determined to give its best. Samoa’s motto for the week was “Mission: Impossible.” Although effort and physicality were not lacking, they could not stop the “Red Roses,” who presented 13 changes compared to their initial 69-7 victory against the United States.
With regular captain Zoe Aldcroft out for the rest of the group stage, Maggie Packer led England from the open side. Only Breach and Megan Jones remained from the starting team that played against the United States. Jones stood out in the outside center, while the combination of Lucy Packer and Helena Rowland dismantled the Samoan defense. Breach also scored three well-deserved tries.
The first half followed the expected script. England scored in the third minute, with Jones scoring after a pass from Kelsey Clifford. Samoa, although defending aggressively, failed to advance in attack, despite an innovative attempt at a play in the lineout. The brief Samoan truce ended soon, with Breach scoring the second English try, securing the bonus point before the quarter of an hour, with Sarah Bern and Jones adding more points.
The records were being reviewed. The scrum of the “Red Roses” crushed that of Samoa, and Feaunati scored in the 23rd minute. The conditions did not help either team. England would score two more times before halftime, thanks to Lark Atkin-Davies and Lucy Packer. Samoa finished the first half on the rise, but failed to score points to reward their effort.
However, the most effusive celebrations were for Samoa’s penalty after the break. Harmony Vatau scored the first points of their World Cup with a penalty from 32 meters. The players went to the fans, euphoric, and shortly after, Emma Sing committed a “knock-on” in the English field. But the “Red Roses” regained their rhythm, and Clifford scored to surpass fifty points.Harmony Vatau’s penalty recorded Samoa’s first points in their World Cup campaign.
Breach scored his second try, and with the momentum of England’s changes, Mackenzie Carson scored the tenth try. Breach and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald continued to gain ground, and Rowland scored to reach 25 points. England emptied the bench, but continued to score. Marley Packer scored in the 70th minute, and Breach got his third in the 74th minute. Moloney-Macdonald closed out the victory with a try in the last play, and Rowland converted to secure their place in history.
For Samoa, the defeat means the end of their World Cup in the group stage, while England, with two victories, is already looking towards the playoffs, and the next match against Australia in Brighton.
