The 2018 Women’s Six Nations is just around the corner and this has been a busy autumn for all involved.
Off the back of the World Cup this past summer, the European nations have been back in action and this past weekend saw England down Canada, France see off Italy and Wales play Scotland behind closed doors. Italy 21-41 France France, Women’s Six Nations champions in both 2014 and 2016, ended this summer’s World Cup at the semi-final stage when they were beaten by England.
They dusted themselves down after that to beat the USA and finish the tournament third.
But their hosts in Biella this weekend were Italy who ended that world tournament down in tenth.
Les Bleues did not have it all their own way however against the Azzurre and actually trailed by a point with less than a quarter of an hour left.
But they pulled away in the end for a 41-21 victory that owed much to the late double from Camille Boudaud.
But the Azzurre were upbeat about their showing said Andrea Di Giandomenico.
“We are pleased with the performance of the girls,” he said.
“We immediately found our system in both attack and defence. Until the 65th minute we were in the lead and only in the final stages did France come back.
“We are also very happy with the new players: to be thrown in on the national stage against a team that is third in the world is not easy. Yes, there are aspects that need to be improved and to put right some mistakes.
“This is a starting point, though it did not go out way, we are focusing on the continued growth of these players and this team.” England 79-5 Canada Jess Breach ran in six tries as England proved too strong for Canada at Allianz Park in a convincing win to kick off their three-Test autumn series.
Runners-up in the World Cup this past summer, England bounced back in style and had far too much for an inexperienced Canadian outift.
Breach’s opposite winger Abi Dow crossed twice as well in the victory but it was Breach who stole the headlines on debut.
“As a first cap it was amazing to get six tries but the game was so physical and we had to work hard to get the win that we did,” said the 20-year-old Harlequins wing.
“I was nervous but when you catch the ball and see space in front of you, you might as well take it on.”
Breach has switched wings from left to right for Tuesday’s second Test against the Canadians at the Stoop as England make six changes overall.
Elsewhere, Wales and Scotland played out a match behind closed doors this weekend as the Welsh looked to avenge their defeat to the same opponents earlier this year in the Women’s Six Nations.
And it was Scotland who emerged 22-15 winners in a tight training encounter played over four quarters.
England’s second Test against Canada kicks off on Tuesday night at the Stoop at 7:45PM.
Red Roses captain Sarah Hunter will make her 100th international appearance when she leads the side out.
There are debuts for Catherine O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning) and Jo Brown (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), while full back Ellie Kildunne (Gloucester-Hartpury) makes her first ever start, with Rochelle Clark, Tamara Taylor and Charlotte Clapp also coming into the side. Lagi Tuima (Bristol Ladies) will also make her debut if she is introduced from the bench.
