England’s Red Roses started their WXV 1 series campaign in style with a comprehensive 42-7 victory over Australia in Wellington.
Marlie Packer was the standout performer, scoring two tries and leading the way for Louis Deacon’s side.
The home team got off to a flying start, with prop Hannah Botterman scoring the first try of the match just six minutes in, following a line-out.
Ella Wyrwas marked her first international start with a try 12 minutes later, after Jess Breach’s run set in motion an attack which finished with the scrum half taking an offload to score.
Australia were reduced to 14 players in the first half when second-row Annabelle Codley was sin-binned for a high tackle.
England took full advantage of the situation just one minute later when a powerful maul allowed Marlie Packer to score her first try of the game.
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England’s try-scoring bonus was secured two minutes before halftime when Wyrwas set up winger Jess Breach to finish in the corner.
The Red Roses continued their dominance in the second half, with Botterman and Packer both adding to their try tally.
Australia managed a consolation try in the 54th minute when Ashley Marsters went over from close range, but England responded quickly with Megan Jones scoring their sixth try of the match.
Codley’s second yellow card for another high tackle saw her dismissed from the game with 22 minutes remaining, and England’s Sarah Beckett was also sin-binned in the final minute.
However, the Red Roses were too strong for the Wallaroos and secured a convincing victory.
Attention now turns to England’s next match against Canada, who they beat 2-0 in this year’s Test series.
The two teams will face each other on October 27th in Dunedin.
