England edge out France to win Six Nations as Middleton bows out

Apr 29, 2023 at 3:53 PM

ngland held off the spirited problem of France to win their fifth consecutive Women’s Six Nations title with a Grand Slam in entrance of a record-breaking crowd at Twickenham.

In what was coach’s Simon Middleton’s ultimate recreation in cost, the Red Rose ran out 38-33 winners.

With 58,498 followers in attendance, top-ranked aspect England struggled with nerves at first earlier than pulling away from third-ranked France to enter the break with a commanding 33-0 lead.

Abby Dow scored England’s first attempt to though Helena Rowland missed the conversion, she made no mistake when captain Marlie Packer and Alex Matthews powered over.

France have been additionally quickly right down to 14 gamers when Jessy Tremouliere was despatched to the sin bin, which additionally welcomed Rose Bernadou later within the half, serving to England to attain from a penalty strive earlier than Zoe Aldcroft additionally went over.

Fitting farewell: Simon Middleton will now go away his job in control of England

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But England took their foot off the fuel within the second half and France obtained on the board when Emilie Boulard scored the opening strive earlier than Gabrielle Vernier went via the English defence for a second.

Both groups then scored from rolling mauls to make it 38-21 to England with 65 minutes on the clock.

With 5 minutes left, France rallied with two extra tries from Emeline Gros and Cyrielle Banet, however Tremouliere missed the primary conversion as England held on for an additional Grand Slam.