England’s Grand Slam dream still on

Hopes of a sixth title in a row for the English womens rugby team remain intact after their 16-3 victory over France in a dour game at Worcester.

In the televised game of the round, neither side found close to their best form, but given that only a point separated the teams this time last year, this was always going to be tight.

England made the brighter start when skipper Katy McLean made a clean break but the French defence recovered and Englands chance was squandered.

England enjoyed a healthy amount of possession but the first scoring opportunities went to the French with Sandrine Agricole missing a penalty after almost half an hour. A second attempt, with Nadge Casenave taking over the kicking duties, was successful and France took a 3-0 lead.

McLean too missed a penalty just before the break but she found her range in injury time with the teams turning around three points apiece.

England took an early lead in the second half with another McLean penalty but neither team were able to make a real mark on proceedings as both lacked a clinical streak.

England made a host of changes and replacements Amy Garnett, Rachael Burford and Catherine Spencer made an immediate impression. Burford came close to scoring, but again Frances defence held firm.

Englands continuous pressure did pay off eventually though with Saracens hooker Garnett picking up from the back of a ruck and barging her way over the try line. McLean missed the penalty but England led 11-3 after 72 minutes.

McLean then rounded off proceedings for England with an injury time try. A ruck in the midfield saw England spin the ball out to the right wing and McLean found space to score the final touchdown. Again, she couldnt make the conversion but 16-3 was enough to seal the win for England.

England coach Gary Street, whose side is now the only unbeaten team in the tournament, said: "We were very sporadic today and we managed to squander quite a few opportunities. It was frustrating because we got ourselves into some good positions but we missed the try scoring opportunities.

"We lacked precision at times and that was disappointing. Theres lots for us to work on but the important thing is that we are still on track. We have now got a good focus for our game against Scotland and we know where the improvements need to be made."