Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Kildunne Hat-Trick Propels England to Victory Over Wales in Record-Breaking Match
Ellie Kildunne achieved a rapid hat-trick within nine minutes, marking her 50th international appearance, as England decisively defeated Wales before a record-setting crowd in Cardiff. The fullback, who debuted for the Red Roses in 2017, has now amassed 39 tries for her nation. At 25, the World Rugby player of the year is anticipated to achieve even greater milestones. This Women’s Six Nations match showcased Kildunne’s exceptional talent and England’s dominance in women’s rugby.
Dominant Second Half Performance
Kildunne, only twice defeated in an England jersey, experienced a relatively subdued first half. This seemed to ignite a remarkable performance in the subsequent 40 minutes, where she effortlessly penetrated the Welsh defense.
Feaunati and Jones Shine Alongside Kildunne
Maddie Feaunati continued her impressive form, building on her player-of-the-match performance against Italy the previous Sunday. Center Meg Jones, returning for her first Six Nations appearance this year, also delivered a noteworthy match. Her performance carried extra emotional weight, marking her first England game since the passing of both her parents, and she celebrated the occasion with a spectacular individual try.
England’s Continued Supremacy in Women’s Six Nations
Wales’ decade-long wait for a victory over England in the Women’s Six Nations persists. Another commanding display from the Red Roses ensured the home side’s drought continued. Despite not performing at their peak, England still managed to score 11 tries, a daunting prospect for future adversaries. Handling errors, particularly in the first half, were a primary source of irritation for coach John Mitchell’s team.
Record Attendance for Welsh Women’s Sport
The host nation did secure one achievement to celebrate: a record attendance. A crowd of 21,186 spectators marked an unprecedented event for women’s sport on Welsh soil, surpassing the prior record of 16,845 set by the national football team in November. This attendance figure underscores the growing popularity of women’s rugby, with ticket sales increasing annually.
Electric Atmosphere in Cardiff
Ideal playing conditions, with the stadium roof closed, intensified the vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by a light and pyrotechnics display. This created an electrifying environment, fueling the crowd and imbuing the match with the intense emotion characteristic of this rivalry.
Wales Starts Strong But England Overpowers
The combative atmosphere translated onto the field as Jaz Joyce-Butchers’ speed injected dynamism into the game, with the hosts initially pressing to score. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t breach the English defense, although they maintained pressure.
Early Welsh Try Answered Decisively
England flanker Sadia Kabeya appeared to avert danger with a turnover, but a knock-on by fly-half Zoe Harrison within the try area gifted Wales a five-meter scrum. From this attack, Jenny Scoble scored, providing Sean Lynn with an ideal commencement to his first home match in charge.
England responded swiftly. Feaunati executed a superb run to break through the defensive line. Jones then followed up, surging from midfield to score. She tapped her chest and gestured towards the sky in memory of her parents after scoring.
Red Roses Extend Lead Despite Inconsistencies
Once England generates scoring momentum, opponents rarely manage to halt their progress. The Red Roses extended their advantage with tries from Sarah Bern and Feaunati. The visitors’ first-half performance was not without flaws, however, marked by avoidable scrum penalties and several inaccurate forward passes.
Kildunne’s Second Half Hat-Trick Seals Victory
The Principality Stadium erupted at the beginning of the second half when Lisa Neumann broke through, but Wales could not capitalize, and England retaliated once more. Player-of-the-match Kildunne celebrated each of her tries with her signature ‘rodeo’ move as she completed her hat-trick, scoring the subsequent three tries for England.
Late Tries Cement England’s Dominance
Wales managed a consolation try by Kate Williams in the corner, but Harrison’s skillful kick set up another England score. She delivered a precise kick to winger Abby Dow, returning after a hand injury sidelined her at the end of the Premiership season, who touched down.
Sevens star Abi Burton scored twice on her full England debut, and Dow added another try, concluding a thoroughly dominant performance by the visiting team.
Wales Prevents Record Defeat, England’s Reign Continues
Wales offered substantial resistance and prevented England from surpassing their record victory of 81-0 from 2005. Nevertheless, the Red Roses continue to flourish in their era of dominance. This victory marked their 31st consecutive win in the tournament and their 22nd consecutive victory across all competitions. The question remains: can any team halt this England squad? Based on this performance, it appears a formidable challenge.