England survived a brilliant French return to win the decisive rugby union of the six female nations 43-42 on Twickenham on Saturday, April 26.
In an encounter between two undefeated teams, England led 31-7 after 24 minutes and 43-28 with 10 minutes to play, and hero out of a late rally for a seventh consecutive European title.
“I am very proud of all the effort of the girls who fight today. France came to us, so everything accredited to endure,” said England captain Zoe Aldcroft to the BBC. “When we build pressure, we must keep our foot in the accelerator. We will have a couple of drinks after this and enjoy tonight!”
In a game of 13 attempts, England tied in visitors in the first 23 minutes. The ABBY Dow end landed after six minutes. Carla Arbebe responded three minutes later for France, before Dow, the fullback, Emma Sing twice, the prostitute Lark Atkin-Davies and the Claudia Macdonald wing landed for the hosts in the next 14 minutes.
Scrum Half Pauline Bourdon and Center Marine Menine responded to reduce the gap to 31-21 at halftime. Flanker Aldcroft and Dow scored on both sides of a French attempt by Wing Kelly Arbey putting the hosts 15 points ahead. That turned out to be enough when Morgane Bourgeois landed with nine minutes to play and Joanna Grisez lowered the wing to score, but there was only enough time for France to leave the initial serve.
“I knew we would have to win the game three or four times,” said England coach John Mitchell to the BBC.
Zoe Harrison kicked four conversions for England, while Bourgeois objected all French attempts to keep them near Les Bleues.
‘They all told us that we left like losers’
“It is difficult to put in the emotions we have at this time,” said the co-chapitan of France Manae Feleu. “All of us, we left like losers. We tried that everyone was wrong.” “I didn’t enjoy that,” said the support of England Hannah Botterman to the BBC. “I am slippery, we did it.”
Le Monde in English
Register to receive our daily selection of “Le Monde” articles translated into English.
Register
England completed another Grand Slam, the only time they have not swept all the other sides in their triumphal career was in the 2021 season cut in Covid.
England’s next scheduled match is his first World Cup against the United States on August 22 at Almberland. “That was a bit nervous. The defense gains titles and that was great from us, but our beginning was quite good,” Mitchell said. “I prefer to have this type of comment, any day of the week,” Mitchell said. “We did it … and now we can celebrate and prepare for a World Cup.”
]
