WRAP: England Claim Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
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England were crowned Six Nations champions on Saturday after a thrilling 2022 tournament.
We recap the weekend's action.
ITALY STUN WALES
Michela Sillari's late penalty ensured Italy finished the TikTok Women’s Six Nations on a high with a 10-8 win away to Wales.
In a closely fought encounter, just two tries were scored with Italy's Sara Barattin opening the scoring in the 31st minute. The Italians lead for most of the match before Robyn Wilkins opened Wales' account in the 70th minute.
Shortly afterwards, Keira Bevan darted over the line after a powerful Welsh scrum. The conversion was missed but the try was enough to put Wales 8-7 ahead.
Wales tried to hold onto the one-point advantage but the pressure eventually told as an offside penalty gave Michela Sillari the chance to win it for her side.
She stepped up and nailed the penalty for the left-hand side to seal the victory. The win meant that for the first time in Six Nations history, Italy have completed a set of wins over one nation in the Men's, U20s and Women's format of the competition.
Italy head coach Andrea di Giandomenico applauded Sillari's composure at such a critical time.
He said: “It’s so great for us and the players when you are confident in your job.
“We know Michela. She’s the ice girl and it’s important and part of the skills of the players to keep calm, so we are happy.”
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Wales back-rower Alex Callender (pictured making a tackle above) was named as Player of the Match despite the loss.
The 21-year-old said: “It means so much, having the result today is gutting, but we put up a fight and I can’t ask enough from the girls.
“Performance-wise, we started better, we just didn’t finish it off today.”
Her Stats:
10 carries
52 metres
17 tackles
1 turnover
ENGLAND SEAL GRAND SLAM AGAINST FRANCE
Another Grand Slam and Women's Six Nations crown for England as they completed their campaign with a 24-12 victory over France in Bayonne.
Tries from Sarah Bern (2) and Abbie Ward saw England to victory with Emily Scarratt scoring 9 points from the tee.
Sarah Bern dotted down either side of an Abbie Ward's try after France started the encounter brightly through Romane Menager, who crashed over inside the opening three minutes.
Bern went over for her first try at the back of England's powerful rolling maul that was set off the back of an excellent 50:22 from Helena Rowland.
Abbie Ward went over from close range after yet another England lineout with Bern doing the same for her second try. England led 21-7 at half time.
With 12 minutes left on the clock, France finally found a way through the England defence with Annaelle Deshaye forcing her way over to set up a tense finish.
However, Simon Middleton's charges held out for the 12-24 victory.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Lark Davies (pictured carrying the ball into the French defence) was named the Player of the Match for her performance in the thrilling finale.
She said: “This is what we work for: crowds like this, games like this. To get that result today, we didn’t make it easy for ourselves but it’s unbelievable.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team and what we’ve achieved.
Her Stats:
7 tackles
4 carries
7 metres
IRELAND LEAVE IT LATE AGAINST SCOTLAND
Enya Breen scored the matching winning try for Ireland to ensure that Ireland avoided the Wooden Spoon in the 2022 Women’s Six Nations.
Ireland edged Scotland 15-14 with Breen knocking over the extras to seal the win for Ireland.
The Scots were seconds away from their first win in the Championship this year before Breen scored in the 84th minute.
Evie Gallagher's try put Scotland ahead in the third minute of the encounter. Ireland responded through the boot of Hannah O’Connor in the 15th minute.
Neve Jones powered over for Ireland's first try of the game just before the break as they led 8-5 at halftime.
Helen Nelson slotted three penalties in the second half to extend Scotland's lead to 15-14 and they looked set to hold Ireland out with the clock winding down.
With Ireland charging into the Scottish defence, Breen got the ball six metres out and took four defenders with her to score.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Neve Jones was named as the Player of the Match in Belfast.
The hooker, who scored a crucial try in the victory said:
“We never felt it was gone from us, absolutely not,”
“It’s a game of rugby, it is 80 minutes and you know every team is going to put their best foot forward to try and win the ball back and get penalties.
“But we just held through till the 84th minute and it paid off.
“I’ve said it before, I’m always proud to put on the jersey.
Her Stats:
15 tackles
2 turnovers
9 carries
21 metres
WOMEN'S SIX NATIONS PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
England's Marlie Packer and Sarah Bern are joined by France's Laure Sansus and Madoussou Fall as the Nominees.
