Red Roses Clinch WXV1 Championship with Dominant Victory Over Black Ferns

In a spectacular display of women’s rugby prowess, England’s Red Roses secured the WXV1 championship with an emphatic victory over New Zealand’s Black Ferns. Tries from Alex Matthews, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Morwenna Talling, and Zoe Aldcroft left no doubt about England’s dominance. The Black Ferns responded with scores on either side of halftime through Kennedy Simon and Katelyn Vahaakolo.

England’s journey to championship glory was marked by three impressive victories in the tournament. They opened their campaign with a 42-7 win against Australia and followed it up with a commanding 45-12 triumph against Canada in Dunedin last week.

From the very beginning, it was one-way traffic in favor of the Red Roses. Players like Tatyana Heard and captain Marlie Packer relentlessly pushed their team into Black Fern territory during the opening exchanges. Their pressure paid off in the fourth minute when Alex Matthews crashed over the line for the first try of the evening. Lark Atkin-Davies followed with the second try from a well-formed lineout maul, her fifth in just two games. Sarah Bern added another with a powerful effort from close range.

Ellie Kildunne nearly delivered a miraculous try, but it was ruled out for a foot in touch. The Black Ferns found their fortune towards the end of the first half, with co-captain Kennedy Simon crossing the line after Ruby Tui’s pace created a defensive overlap. Renee Holmes converted to narrow the Red Roses’ lead at halftime.

The second half saw New Zealand trying to mount a comeback, but England’s defense held strong. Replacement Katelyn Vahaakolo added a try for the Black Ferns, but Morwenna Talling and Zoe Aldcroft sealed the victory with tries of their own.

The final whistle confirmed England’s WXV1 championship victory and marked an unbeaten year of rugby for the England Senior Women’s side. Their focus now shifts to the Women’s Six Nations 2024, where they aim to defend their Grand Slam title.

For fans eager to catch the action, tickets for the Women’s Six Nations 2024 are now available.

**TEAMS**

*Red Roses:*

– 15. Ellie Kildunne

– 14. Abigail Dow

– 13. Helena Rowland

– 12. Tatyana Heard

– 11. Claudia MacDonald

– 10. Holly Aitchison

– 9. Natasha Hunt

– 1. Mackenzie Carson

– 2. Lark Atkin-Davies

– 3. Sarah Bern

– 4. Zoe Aldcroft

– 5. Rosie Galligan

– 6. Morwenna Talling

– 7. Marlie Packer (C)

– 8. Alex Matthews

*Replacements:*

– 16. Connie Powell

– 17. Hannah Botterman

– 18. Maud Muir

– 19. Sarah Beckett

– 20. Maisy Allen

– 21. Ella Wyrwas

– 22. Megan Jones

– 23. Jess Breach

*Black Ferns:*

– 15. Renee Holmes

– 14. Ruby Tui

– 13. Amy du Plessis

– 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt

– 11. Mererangi Paul

– 10. Ruahei Demant (CC)

– 9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu

– 1. Kate Henwood

– 2. Georgia Ponsonby

– 3. Amy Rule

– 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos

– 5. Chelsea Bremner

– 6. Alana Bremner

– 7. Kennedy Simon (CC)

– 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u

*Replacements:*

– 16. Luka Connor

– 17. Krystal Murray

– 18. Sophie Fisher

– 19. Layla Sae

– 20. Lucy Jenkins

– 21. Iritana Hohaia

– 22. Patricia Maliepo

– 23. Katelyn Vahaakolo

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