World Cup Doubt: Marlie Packer in the Spotlight After Red Card
Marlie Packer’s participation in the start of the Women’s Rugby World Cup is in doubt after her sending-off in England’s crushing victory over Spain, with a score of 97-7.
The veteran flanker, who captained her country in Leicester, was sanctioned 19 minutes from the end for an action considered illegal against Spanish fullback Claudia Pena.
With the Red Roses preparing to face 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 future.
Helena Rowland scored a hat-trick at Welford Road, as England’s preparations for home World Cup glory 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 to start on the right wing, scored two of the seven tries of the first half.
Number eight Maddie Feaunati, scrum-half Lucy Packer, wing Jess Breach, prop Sarah Bern and centre Jade Shekells 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 at the World Cup, scored a good consolation try in the 53rd minute through 19-year-old Harlequins player Pena, 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.
