Women's

Women’s Six Nations: State of play after two rounds

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With the first rest week of the Women’s Six Nations now completed, the Championship is back up and running with Round Three matches taking place this weekend.

With the first rest week of the Women’s Six Nations now completed, the Championship is back up and running with Round Three matches taking place this weekend.

The results after the opening two fixtures leave England in pole position with a good chance of a Grand Slam, having seen off France 41-26 at Castle Park in Round Two.

Poppy Cleall and Jess Breach both grabbed doubles as the Red Roses scored seven tries to see off last year’s champions.

France now sit third in the table following their defeat in Doncaster.

But they will be able to take heart from a rallying second-half display, with Romane Menager scoring in the 81st minute to ensure they picked up a bonus point for four tries scored.

Scrum-half Pauline Bourdon was also integral for the French, as she scored 16 points in the defeat.

Italy have emerged as one of England’s main challengers for the women’s crown, as they remain the only other unbeaten side in the competition.

The Azzurre have the meanest defence in the Championship, with just 10 points conceded in their opening two games.

Last time out they were left frustrated by a 3-3 draw against Wales in Lecce, with Michela Sillari missing a late penalty kick which could have given her side victory.

Wales have two points and are in fifth in the table after their opening two matches.

They will be looking to register more points in their next few games, as they hunt for their first try in 2019.

Ireland find themselves fourth in the Championship table, as they moved up after Round Two following a 22-5 win in Scotland.

Alison Miller and Anna Caplice were among the scorers in the triumph, with the Irish hoping for more of the same as they look to build following defeat to England in their opener.

Scotland sit bottom of the table after the opening two rounds and face a tricky challenge in Round Three, with a trip to Lille’s Le Stadium Villeneuve d’Acsq to face the 2018 champions on Saturday night (8pm kick-off).

England look to continue their unbeaten Championship record in 2019 as they travel to Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday (12.30pm kick-off).

The opener to this weekend’s action will see Italy welcome Ireland to Parma (6.45pm kick-off) as the hosts look to stay unbeaten in the competition.