England Secure Commanding Victory Over Scotland to Claim Triple Crown

England 59 – 7 Scotland

England’s dominance in the Women’s Six Nations continued as they secured a 59-7 victory over Scotland at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. The Red Roses, aiming for the Triple Crown, maintained their unbeaten run against Scotland since 1999, showcasing their strength ahead of next week’s Grand Slam decider.

Despite the wet conditions, England controlled the opening half, keeping handling errors to a minimum while dominating possession. They set the tone early, with Kelsey Clifford scoring within the first 10 minutes after a series of powerful pick-and-go drives near the five-metre line. Holly Aitchison comfortably converted.

Scotland struggled to convert their glimpses of attacking play, with handling errors gifting possession back to England. The visitors did disrupt England’s set-piece briefly, ending their 45 successful lineout streak, but the Red Roses responded emphatically.

England’s superior pack proved a nightmare for Scotland, culminating in Marlie Packer’s 50^th international try after a dominant scrum effort in the 17^th minute. Soon after, captain Zoe Aldcroft snatched an interception on the halfway line, sprinting clear for England’s third try. Scotland’s handling errors persisted, making the task of containing England even harder.

Packer was denied a second try in the 25^th minute, held up over the line by a desperate Scotland defence. However, the ever-dangerous Claudia MacDonald secured England’s bonus point try in the 27^th minute, dancing around defenders with swift footwork—a remarkable feat given her recent return from two serious neck injuries.

Scotland’s defensive lapses continued to cost them. A mismanaged Scottish lineout allowed Abby Ward to power over for England’s fifth try, followed by Lark Atkin-Davies’ score on the stroke of halftime, capitalizing on a patient sequence of pick-and-go drives to give England an unassailable 38-0 lead at the break.

The second half saw Scotland improve their defensive shape, limiting England’s attacking fluidity. However, MacDonald struck again in the 50^th minute, finishing a stunning right-to-left sweeping team try. Scotland eventually broke their scoring drought after a TMO review awarded Lisa Thomson a try—their first score against England in two years, following a superbly worked driving maul, with Helen Nelson adding the extras.

England introduced experienced heads, including Emily Scarratt, earning her 118^th cap, as Scotland grew into the contest, preventing further damage. But England still had more to give—Abbie Dow’s sensational solo effort in the 74^th minute, sprinting 50 metres and fending off three Scottish defenders, extended the lead. Scotland’s disappointing evening was compounded by a late yellow card, and Dow completed her brace in the final minute, sealing England’s comprehensive 59-7 victory.

Though Scotland produced a more competitive second half, England’s first-half masterclass had already secured the win. Now, all eyes turn to Twickenham, where England will face France in a Grand Slam showdown.