Breach scores hat-trick in record England World Cup win

Pool A of the Women’s Rugby World Cup

England (47) 92

Cons: Rowland 11 and MacDonald; Jones 2, Breach 3, Bern, Feaunati, Davies, Packer, Clifford, Carson, Rowland, Packer, MacDonald

Samoa (0) 3

England defeated Samoa to record a women’s rugby world cup victory, and Jess Breach scored a hat-trick in the process.

The Red Roses won the World Cup by an 82-0 margin in 2010 versus Kazakhstan, which was their highest point total in a World Cup game (84) against Fiji in 2022.

Helena Rowland’s final kick from outside the field was better than Nicky Crawford’s 25 points against Sweden in 1998 with 27 points, breaking the record for individual points scored in a Women’s World Cup game.

Megan Jones scored twice in Northampton for the World Cup hosts in the first half.

In a dominant and clinical opening half, Lucy Packer, Maddie Feaunati, Lark Atkin-Davies, and Sarah Bern also scored.

The visitors, who are a completely amateur side, knocked over a penalty with England 47-0 up, which was met by ovate celebrations.

However, John Mitchell’s side made a seventh consecutive try in the second half.

The Red Roses’ winning streak now includes 29 games, including the 2022 World Cup final defeat suffered by New Zealand.

There was never much resistance from Samoa, whose part-time players had to crowd-fund to compete in the tournament.

In their opening game against Australia in Salford, Ramsey Tomokino’s side lost 73-0. The hosts quickly started to get into their groove.

Jones crossed the impressive center after a quick right-foot step, and Kelsey Clifford’s soft hands made it happen.

After completing her 50th international try in just 49 caps, Bern ran over close to the tryline.

Samoa had previously only won two games against England, winning both in 2005 and 2014 with an overall score of 118-3.

The World Cup hosts were never troubled by the unfamiliar nature of the visitors, who took a break from full-back Emma Sing for a try.

In the opening World Cup game, the Red Roses’ power up front was too great for the United States, which was demonstrated again by tries from forwards Feaunati and Atkin-Davies.

Samoa, which is 15th in the world, hasn’t won a pool match in the Women’s World Cup since 2006.

When the team finally won their first tournament points, the entire squad and supporters were ecstatic.

However, Mitchell’s side maintained their professionalism the entire time and reverted to their winning ways to prop Clifford.

As the Red Roses neared their World Cup record, Clifford turned in a top-notch performance before turning in a nice offload for Breach.

England equaled their most tries scored in a World Cup match (14 against Fiji in 2022). The second-half performance was even more impressive thanks to the rain and the wind.

Given Holly Aitchison’s injury issues, utility back Rowland kicked beautifully and proved to be a reliable option if needed again in the 10 shirt.

The England head coach will be pleased that Mitchell made 13 changes to his starting lineup.

Campbell, Carson, Muir, Talling, Kabeya, Hunt, Harrison, and Kildunne are the replacements.

Wright-Akeli, Lasini, Pouri-Lane, Makisi, Fiafia, Vatau, Afuie, Aiolupotea, Nonutunu, Aiono, C Onesemo-Tuilaepa, D Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Atonio, Pauaraisa, Foaese, etc.

Clara Munarini (Italy) and Amber Stamp-Dunstan (Wales) serve as assistant referees.