Red Roses cruise to 14th-straight win over France as focus turns to ‘one hell of an encounter’ against New Zealand at Twickenham

Marlie Packer said her England side would be ready for ‘one hell of an encounter’ with New Zealand on Saturday after the Red Roses kicked off a huge season with victory over France.

Packer will hope to lift the Women’s World Cup on home soil this time next year. John Mitchell’s side are firm favourites to win that tournament.

In their first game of the 2024/25 season, England were – perhaps understandably – nowhere near their best at Kingsholm. But it was still enough for a 14th straight victory over Les Bleus.

Next up for England are the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium, formerly Twickenham.

‘It’s going to be the world champions against the world No 1’s – It doesn’t really get much better than that,’ said Packer, who scored two of England’s six tries.

Jess Breach contributed two tries to the Red Roses’ total tally of six against the French

‘It’s going to be one hell of an encounter. If people haven’t got their tickets, they need to get them now because it’s going to be a physical encounter.

‘Both sets of packs will come alive and be electric. It’s one not to miss.’

Packer’s brace took her into fourth on the list of England women’s all-time try-scorers.

‘We wanted really tough pre-season fixtures to find out where we are,’ said Packer. ‘We are really going to be going for that New Zealand game.’

England are women’s rugby’s dominant force. They haven’t lost since the last World Cup final to New Zealand in Auckland in 2022.

Their impressive strength in depth was shown in Gloucester by the fact lock Abbie Ward was in the stands with her family. England’s handling will have to improve for New Zealand.

But like Packer, Jess Breach also crossed twice. Helena Rowland and Lucy Packer completed the scoring. France grabbed three tries of their own despite never looking like winning.

England forwards Hannah Botterman, Zoe Aldcroft and Maddie Feaunati stood out, the latter on her first Test start.

Holly Aitchison kicked four conversions for England in a win where they weren’t at their best

The Red Roses know they’ll have to improve when they take on New Zealand at Twickenham

Centre Tatyana Heard also impressed with her carrying, although she did throw two loose passes.

‘I always thought it was going to be a bit messy and it was,’ said head coach Mitchell.

A knock to the electric Ellie Kildunne was one concern for England.

England 38-19 France 

England Tries: M Packer (2), Breach (2), Rowland, L Packer

Cons: Aitchison (4)

France Tries: Sochat, R Menager, Bourdon Sansus

Cons: Tuy (2)

Referee: Kat Roche (USA)

Attendance: 7,590

Player of the match: Tatyana Heard (England)