England score 12 tries in huge win over Scotland
Dominant England spoiled Scotland's record-breaking afternoon at Murrayfield with a 12-try win which keeps them on course for another Six Nations title. A total of 30,498 fans were in the stands at Murrayfield - a record for a standalone women's sporting event in Scotland - and they were ultimately treated to a 35th consecutive Test win for the Red Roses after a powerful display. Scotland, charged up for the occasion, made a positive start but when Elliann Clark was held up over the line England simply went through the gears.
Ellie Kildunne, starting on the wing for the first time in the Six Nations, was as lively as ever and scored twice in the first half, the first after a dominant carry from Maddie Feaunati and the second from a wonderful miss-pass by Meg Jones. Captain Jones had already waltzed over herself by that point, while Kelsey Clifford and Emma Sing added further first-half scores. But the Murrayfield crowd did have a moment to savour in the first half when Helson Nelson's chip over the top and Chloe Rollie's pass was finished well by Rhona Lloyd, who surged over for a try which was cheered to the rafters.
However, it was only a fleeting moment as England added seven second-half scores. Hooker Amy Cokayne rumbled over at the back of the maul, and replacement prop Sarah Bern also crashed through from close range twice. Former captain Marlie Packer, Sadia Kabeya, Mia Venner, and Haineala Lutui all bolstered the scoreboard further as England laid down another marker in their pursuit of an eighth straight Six Nations title.
Other teams should be 'very worried' by England performance Rugby Union Weekly: Ruthless Red Roses thrash Scotland Women's Six Nations: Relentless England score 12 tries to thrash Scotland - reaction A lot has been discussed about the sheer number of players England are missing in this Six Nations, but it appears not to matter as those who come in just step up. Their brute force bludgeoned Scotland time and again. Whether it was Feaunati's break to put Kildunne in for the opening try, Kabeya's similar dart to set up Meg Jones, or the power of Bern and Packer off the bench they simply pounded Scotland into submission.
It was not just about brute force, though, there were deft touches too. Jones' silky long pass for Kildunne to run in, plus several brilliant breaks from full-back Emma Sing who stood up with a big performance were highlights. Zoe Harrison nailed all 12 conversions as well to keep the boot firmly on Scotland's throats in a commanding display.