Simon Middleton’s England secured back-to-back Grand Slam successes in emphatic style at the weekend, concluding their 2020 Women’s Six Nations campaign with a 54-0 win against Italy.
The Red Rose travelled to Parma for their first match since their rousing 66-7 victory over Wales in Round 4, but displayed none of the rustiness perhaps expected of a team starved of match action for almost eight months.
Indeed, the visitors had the bonus point wrapped up before half-time, with Ellie Kildunne, Poppy Cleall, Emily Scarratt and Abbie Ward all crossing to put them 28 points to the good after 40 minutes.
And England continued to impress after the break, with further tries from Sarah Bern, Jess Breach, Leanne Riley and Marlie Packer sealing the team’s 15th Grand Slam, and sparking wild celebrations.
As the dust settles on Sunday’s eye-catching encounter, we’ve taken a look at some of the players’ reactions and have identified the best of social media:
England fly-half Zoe Harrison didn’t waste words as she simply summed up the mood of the England camp at full-time.
Not a lot has changed in a year judging by back-rower Sarah Beckett’s Twitter post.
Centre Amber Reed played a pivotal role in the impressive win, and dedicated the Championship to everyone who couldn’t be at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Ward marked her first international appearance in little under a year with a try and a Player of the Match performance, and was understandably delighted to be back involved.
After having an earlier score ruled out, Bern made sure she got on the scoresheet in the second half and later enjoyed the appreciation of her power.
Helena Rowland came off the bench to make her senior debut, and the 21-year-old reflected on a dream start to her England career.
And teammate Alex Matthews was overjoyed to see Rowland earn her first cap.
England’s achievement didn’t go unnoticed in the rugby world, with former Red Rose internationals Rocky Clark and Danielle Waterman, and ex-men’s England star Brian Moore, all offering their congratulations.
And, despite tasting defeat on home soil, Italy flanker Giada Franco also spared a moment to wish the champions well.
