A stunning first-half display helped France claim a 28-8 away win over Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations, while Ireland kickstarted their campaign with a 29-8 victory over Italy in Cork.
France came into the match in Glasgow with two wins from two, and continued their impressive form by racing to a 28-3 half-time lead in Glasgow. Laure Sansus scored two tries, with Jessy Trémoulière and Gaëlle Hermet also crossing the line in a rampant opening 40 minutes. Trémoulière also brought her kicking boots, converting all four tries as the visitors took complete control.
Scotland, who had exposed some holes in the French defence before the break, put up a spirited response in the second half. Despite spending long spells in the French 22, they did not get a try until the 78th minute as Chloe Rollie went over after good work from Christine Belisle. Helen Nelson missed the conversation for Bryan Easson’s side, who have now lost three games out of three.
Ireland bounced back from defeats to Wales and France with a convincing win at Musgrave Park. Greg McWilliams’ team led 10-3 at half-time, Lucy Mulhall finishing off a fine scoring move from Nicole Cronin’s pass after Beatrice Rigoni’s penalty had given Italy the lead.
The hosts added a second unconverted try before the interval through hooker Neve Jones, and Eve Higgins gathered scrum-half Kathryn Dane’s kick ahead to race over soon after the restart. Cronin converted to put the home side 17-3 ahead, before a penalty try all but secured victory.
Italy’s Melissa Bettoni went over for the visitors before replacement Katie O’Dwyer gathered from a lineout to score the game’s final try. The result lifts Ireland up to fourth in the table and leaves Scotland and Italy winless before their meeting in Parma on 23 April.
Dow to undergo surgery on broken leg
The England wing Abby Dow will undergo surgery after suffering a broken leg in the Red Roses’ 58-5 win against Wales at Kingsholm on Saturday.
A statement from England Rugby said: “Abby Dow suffered a broken leg in England’s Women’s Six Nations match against Wales yesterday. She is comfortable in hospital and will undergo surgery.”
Everyone at England Rugby sends their best wishes to Abby and wishes her a full and speedy recovery,” the statement continued. “On behalf of Abby, we’d like to thank England supporters and the wider rugby family for the messages of support we have received following Saturday’s match.”
The 24-year old may now face a battle to be fit in time for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which begins in New Zealand this October.