France centre Gabrielle Vernier has been voted the Women’s Six Nations Player of Round 1 after an impeccable display against Wales.
The 23-year-old was named Player of the Match in France’s 53-0 Pool B success, having shone in attack and defence.
She gained 43% of the vote to beat England’s Poppy Cleall and Jess Breach and her France teammate Caroline Boujard.
A threat with ball in hand, Vernier was also integral to France’s fluidity as she made 69 metres and a game-high three offloads to keep the hosts’ momentum going.
And when Wales had possession, Vernier did not let them settle. The centre crunched into 12 tackles, including three dominant tackles, in a rock-solid defensive display that caught the eye of France legend Serge Betsen.
Cleall also enjoyed a fine Round 1 weekend, with an all-action display at No.8 in the handsome 52-10 win against Scotland.
Cleall crossed with ten minutes to play, joining her twin sister Bryony on the scoresheet, to cap a dominant performance which saw her gain 107 metres from 19 carries.
The 28-year-old was also successful with all ten of her attempted tackles and perhaps the only blemish was a yellow card early in the second half. However, she did enough to get 35% of the vote.
Boujard got off to a rapid start, with a hat-trick inside 15 minutes against Wales helping her to earn 17% of the vote.
The three tries showcased a range of skills. There was quick thinking at the ruck to open the scoring, the pace to finish her opportunities and the intelligence to dot down closer to the posts rather than diving over in the corner, ensuring all three of her scores were converted.
Jess Breach’s excellent try certainly lit up the weekend for England and she finished fourth here with 5%.
Having claimed Helena Rowland’s crossfield kick on the visitors’ ten-metre line, the 23-year-old flew past her opposite number before a devastating step opened up space for her to cross for England’s fifth try late in the first half.
Women’s Six Nations Player of Round 1 voting results
Gabrielle Vernier (FRANCE) – 43%
Poppy Cleall (ENGLAND) – 35%
Caroline Boujard (FRANCE) – 17%
Jess Breach (ENGLAND) – 5%
