Red Roses cash in as USA crushed by forward power
A BLISTERING start helped England beat the USA and secure their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Dublin.
England had made a perfect start to their campaign with ten-try thumpings of Spain and Italy putting them in control but they still had to beat the Americans who had also recorded two bonuspoint wins in their opening encounters against Latin opposition.
With a host of Sevens players in the USA team, England knew the game was going to be won up front and they put them to the sword at the set-piece.
“We’ve got one of the best lineout drives in the game,” said centre Amber Reed. “The big girls up front are making it look easy. We’ll keep giving them the ball all day long if they keep scoring those tries.”
Emily Scarratt touched down to open the scoring before a penalty try and two Marlie Packer scores – all from driving mauls – secured England their try bonus point inside 26 minutes.
Katy Mclean showed a clean pair of heels to score her side’s fifth which took England to a 33-7 lead at the break with Kate Zachary having put the USA on the board from close range.
England added two more tries in the second half through Amy Wilson Hardy and Amy Cokayne but they leaked three with Cheta Emba, Naya Tapper and Kris Thomas.
Wing Thomas went over on the last play of the game and it proved crucial as it rescued a try bonus-point for the Americans which sent them to the last four as best runners-up.
England Captain Sarah Hunter said: “We knew it would be a tough game but we’re through to the semifinal, it’s job completed and we move on to the next challenge.
“Our forwards coach Matt Ferguson has done a fantastic job with us; everyone knows their role and their responsibility in the team and we function really well.”