Question about Marlie Packer’s participation in the World Cup after being sent off
Marlie Packer’s participation in the start of the World Cup is in doubt after being sent off in England’s crushing victory over Spain, with a score of 97-7.
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 future.
Helena Rowland scored a hat-trick at Welford Road, as England’s preparations for global glory at home began relentlessly.
The versatile player, who was hailed as “probably the most valuable person” on the Red Roses team by head coach John Mitchell after being named to start on the right wing, scored two of the seven tries in the first half.
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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 beginning of the second half 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 goal in the 53rd minute through Pena, a 19-year-old player for the Harlequins, 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 departure.
