Poppy Cleall’s score in England’s narrow victory over France to clinch the 2021 Women’s Six Nations title has been named Try of Finals Day.
In a public vote, Cleall’s try on the stroke of half-time narrowly saw off scores from Ireland duo Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe and Dorothy Wall, as well as Wales’s Lisa Neumann.
There was little to choose between defending champions England and France at The Stoop as only one try was scored in a 10-6 triumph for the hosts – but it was a try worthy of winning any game.
Cleall singlehandedly turned the match in favour of the Red Roses as half-time approached, picking the ball from the back of a scrum, taking a quick tap penalty and driving forwards.
She offloaded before being brought down and from the next phase, Cleall was there again to collect the ball before barging over the whitewash for the all-important score.
That effort garnered 38% of the fan vote, just ahead of Murphy Crowe’s solo score during Ireland’s 25-5 triumph over Italy on 31%.
Murphy Crowe’s teammate Wall earned 26% of the vote for her powerful try in the corner, while Neumann received 5% after streaking clear down the right flank even as Wales went down 27-20 to Scotland.
Try of Finals Day voting results B. Poppy Cleall (ENGLAND v France) – 38% A. Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (IRELAND v Italy) – 31% D. Dorothy Wall (IRELAND v Italy) – 26% C. Lisa Neumann (Scotland v WALES) – 5%
