England maintained their sensational TikTok Women’s Six Nations unbeaten record with a 59-3 win over Wales in Cardiff to further enhance their Championship credentials.
After a tight half an hour where the hosts largely dominated ball and territory but could not break through a gutsy England defence, the Red Roses found an extra gear and through Lucy Packer, Tatyana Heard and Abby Dow led 19-3 at the break.
In the second half it was largely total dominance from England, as they scored six unanswered tries to score 50 points for the third consecutive match this Championship.
In a game in which England were truly tested in the first half before their quality shone through in the second half, there was a lot to learn in a packed-out Cardiff Arms Park.
1. Wales are closing the gap quickly
The first half of this match showed just how much Wales have already improved, closing the gap quickly on England, who are certainly the standard bearers of European rugby.
Wales had much of the ball and bar the opening two minutes when Jess Breach made a brilliant break down the right-hand side, Ioan Cunningham’s side were camped in the England half.
They even crossed the line, only for the Red Roses to hold it up excellently and did eventually take the lead after 14 minutes, conceding their first points after 28 minutes.
In the end England had too much for Wales here, but there are some extremely promising signs that Wales are getting closer to becoming a force, with young talents such as Sisilia Tuipulotu catching the eye and professionalism driving them on and on.
2. England show strength in depth
England were tested in the opening half an hour, make no mistake about that, and they not only found a way to come through it, but found a way to win, and win well.
That would be impressive whoever was on the pitch, but this England team is at the very start of its cycle, starting again after the heart-breaking defeat to New Zealand in the World Cup final in November.
Only six players in the 23 today started in that World Cup final, with only 12 of the squad involved, meaning half of the matchday 23 at Cardiff Arms Park have either come into the side or returned after a prolonged absence.
That includes some of the star performers on the field, notably Lagi Tuima, Emma Sing and Mackenzie Carson, and shows the strength in depth the side has.
3. Abby Dow is one of the world’s best
There were several top performers, with Tatyana Heard deservedly receiving the Player of the Match award, but perhaps nobody was more impressive than Abby Dow, who once again put on a show when scoring a mesmerising try shortly before half-time.
She had come close on two occasions before in the game, with her sheer speed giving her a unique advantage over opponents, as well as a deadly side step and underrated power, but her try was the moment the match really switched, taking England’s lead at the break from 12-3 to 19-3 and giving them the motivation needed to pull away in style.
Dow notched up 140 metres, crossed for a try for the ages and assisted for another score, breaking nine tackles and making six of her own, missing none.
Following a four-try performance against Italy in Round 2, it was another faultless performance from Dow, who once again showcased her ability as one of the best in the world.
4. Heard and Tuima midfield continues to excel
England were handed an early blow against Scotland when Amber Reed went off with an injury just 18 minutes into the campaign, handing Tatyana Heard a chance to form a midfield pairing with Lagi Tuima.
It seemed to click pretty quickly, with Heard taking on the second receiver role and Tuima acting as a second kicking option (and kicking off the tee).
Against Wales it proved to be just that and more, as Heard not only played the creator role, but also went over for a perfectly premeditated score of her own when pouncing on the grubber through from Holly Aitchison, while Tuima did what she does best, kicked excellently, tackled hard and proved to be a truly outstanding centre.
England will have options when Reed returns from injury, but right now it would be difficult to separate such an effective pairing.
5. England bench makes real impact
England had already secured their bonus point score when replacements Maud Muir, Hannah Botterman and Ellie Kildunne came onto the field, but the impact those three players, as well as Sarah Beckett (who played 67 minutes after a head injury to Cath O’Donnell), Ella Wyrwas and Sarah McKenna had on the game cannot be overstated.
Muir, Botterman, Kildunne and Beckett all went over for tries, while Wyrwas assisted one and McKenna did not put a foot wrong when coming onto the field.
It must be incredibly disheartening to play England with players of this calibre on the bench, especially Botterman, whose two turnovers epitomised England’s outstanding work at the breakdown and it shows England have world class players across their 23.
