The Red Roses were fluent and efficient on Saturday in scoring 15 tries as they steamrollered Spain in their first warmup match for the Women’s Rugby World Cup. They also displayed composure and good decision-making in their biggest win against these opponents, qualities that will be paramount for this vastly talented squad when the tournament begins. Helena Rowland, starting on the wing for England for the first time, scored a hat-trick.
After nine weeks in training camp, including warm-weather practice in Treviso, it was possibly the worst time for Spain to face John Mitchell’s supremely powerful side, who looked better conditioned than ever. England will be tested more significantly next Saturday, when they travel to face France, the second and final warmup before facing the USA at the Stadium of Light on 22 August.
