Doubt about Marlie Packer’s participation in the World Cup after expulsion
Marlie Packer’s availability for the start of the World Cup is in doubt after being sent off in England’s resounding 97-7 victory over Spain.
The experienced flanker, who captained her country in Leicester, was sent off 19 minutes from the end for an illegal action against Spanish fullback Claudia Pena.
With the “Red Roses” preparing to play against France next weekend in their final preparation match before their World Cup debut against the United States on August 22, Packer will face a disciplinary hearing to determine her fate.
Helena Rowland scored a hat-trick at Welford Road, as England’s preparations to compete for world glory at home began in relentless fashion.
The versatile player, who was hailed as “probably the most valuable person” on the “Red Roses” team by coach John Mitchell after being named a starter on the right wing, scored two of the seven tries in the first half.
- Maddie Feaunati (number eight), Lucy Packer (scrum-half), Jess Breach (wing), Sarah Bern (prop) and Jade Shekells (centre) also scored in the first 40 minutes.
Bern registered his second try at the start of the second period before Rowland completed his hat-trick two minutes later and second-row Lilli Ives Campion added another for the top-ranked nation in test rugby.
Spain, ranked 13th in the world and set to face Ireland in Group C of the World Cup, managed a good consolation in the 53rd minute through Pena, a 19-year-old Harlequins player, which was converted by fly-half Amalia Argudo.
Fullback Emma Sing extended England’s lead before replacements May Campbell, Hannah Botterman and Abby Dow and vice-captain Megan Jones completed the scoring after captain Packer’s early exit.
