World Cup Doubt: Marlie Packer in the eye of the hurricane
Marlie Packer’s participation in the start of the World Cup is in doubt following her sending-off in England’s resounding victory over Spain, with a score of 97-7. The experienced player, who captained her country in Leicester, was sanctioned 19 minutes from the end for an action considered illegal on Spanish defender 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 have to appear before a disciplinary hearing to determine her future. Helena Rowland scored a hat-trick at Welford Road, as England’s preparation for the tournament began relentlessly. The versatile player, 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.England name experienced 32-player squad for Women’s Rugby World Cup
England conquered the Women’s Six Nations title. Will they be able to do it at the World Cup?
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 scored his second try at the start of the second half, before Rowland completed his hat-trick two minutes later, and second row Lilli Ives Campion added another for the number one test rugby nation. 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 player from the Harlequins, which was converted by fly-half Amalia Argudo. Defender Emma Sing extended England’s lead before substitutes May Campbell, Hannah Botterman and Abby Dow, and vice-captain Megan Jones completed the scoring after captain Packer’s early departure.
