Women's Six Nations: Red Roses review formidable 59-7 victory over Scotland

04/23/2025 04:54 AM

By George Wellbelove

England continued their imperious march through the 2025 Women's Six Nations with a ruthless 59-7 dismantling of Scotland at Welford Road. The Red Roses were irresistible in a first half that combined raw power with clinical precision, building an unassailable lead that left the visitors chasing shadows.

For head coach John Mitchell and captain Zoe Aldcroft, it was a performance that showcased England's depth and talent and one that sets the stage for a Grand Slam decider against France in the final round at the Allianz Stadium.

MacDonald Shines in Player of the Match Performance

England stormed out of the blocks immediately putting Scotland under pressure. The Red Roses ensured that they dominated proceedings early on and trapped the visitors inside their own half.

"It was very good. We put the accelerator down," Mitchell said post-match.  "There was some outstanding play and the teamwork was very good."

One of the standout moments came courtesy of Claudia MacDonald, whose try in the left-hand corner capped off a flowing, multi-phase move that started deep in England's own half. The winger, who is returning to top form after a challenging period with a neck injury sustained in February 2024, was a symbol of both resilience and flair.

"Claudia's try was an outstanding team try," Mitchell said. "Based on what she's been through in recent months, to have a performance like today, it's just been great."

MacDonald's resurgence adds to the challenging task of squad selection for the final round this weekend.

"There's Jess, Claudia, Abby, Mia – it's a good headache to have," he added, alluding to the growing competition among England's back three. 

Long has it been the revered trio of Jess Breach, Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne in the back of the park, but now with a talented array of youth coming through the England U20s as well as those in the current senior setup, the dilemma of the back three may turn into the coaching team's biggest issue.

Dow also excelled with a determined run down the sideline to dot down, a moment Mitchell praised as "a standout feature of the winger."

Leadership in Action

If England's firepower caught the headlines, Zoe Aldcroft's captaincy continues to be one of the quieter, but equally important, pillars of this team's identity. 

The lock, who led by example throughout, also turned in one of the day's highlight moments as she intercepted a Scottish pass and galloped in joyously under the uprights. 

When asked what went through her mind at that moment, Aldcroft laughed: "Catch the ball and just leg it. I did actually think they were close to me, so yeah, just head down."

Beyond the individual heroics, Aldcroft spoke candidly about the weight and privilege of leadership. 

"I absolutely love leading my country. It's an absolute honor. The girls I have around me in the leadership group allow me to be me and lead in my own sort of way. I'm really enjoying it."

When pressed on what she's learned so far in her Six Nations leadership experience, Aldcroft was reflective. 

"I think the key thing is just making sure I stay myself, being an example for the girls and creating an environment where they can thrive. We're continuing to build culturally as a team."

“We’re not number one ranked in the world for nothing”

While the backline delivered a commanding performance, England's options at fly-half continue to be a hot topic. Holly Aitchison, who had a consistent run at No. 10 last year, found herself rotated in this campaign. But she looked sharp and settled in her return to the pivot role against Scotland.

"She's been training really well and fulfilling her role," said Mitchell. "We're lucky to have three very good tens and Holly did a good job."

Still, Mitchell acknowledged that consistency at fly-half is something he values. 

"Certainty is important, no doubt. But right now we're playing out a plan for 2025. We just don't know who's going to be available when it really matters, so we're building resilience and options.

"We don't just select based on talent. It's about who fits the tactical game plan each week. It's my job to make those decisions and I've been doing it a long time. We're not number one ranked in the world for nothing.

"These girls are unbelievable. The way they train, push each other, and support each other. it's a high-performing team, but also a high-care environment."

That ethos was evident in the way England closed out the second half. While the pace dropped slightly, the focus remained. Even with the result certain before half time, there was no sense of complacency.

"We had moments of world classness in that first half," said Aldcroft. "Now, it's about how we can be world class in all areas of the game."

With a perfect record so far, England's attention now turns to the title decider against France. Saturday's 59-7 win wasn't just another notch on England's Six Nations belt – it was a statement.

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