England 59 – 7 Scotland: Red Roses Player Ratings in huge home victory
04/20/2025 07:19 AM
England dispelled any notion of losing their edge as they pummelled a sorry Scotland side into submission.
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After a slow start in their win versus Ireland last week, all eyes were on how the Red Roses would start the match. What resulted was one of the most one-sided halves in recent memory, perhaps even rugby union history.
Six tries. Six conversions. They were dominating Scotland in every area possible.
With early possession on their side, the Red Roses made good use of their momentum. Claudia MacDonald had a couple of moments on the wing before Kelsey Clifford drove over from short range.
MacDonald continued to cause problems down the left side before the visitors were afforded a rare foray into English territory.
Marlie Packer got England’s second on her return to the side. Just three minutes later, captain Zoe Aldcroft pulled off an audacious intercept to canter in untouched.
MacDonald finally crossed the whitewash which was a deserving reward after her attacking dynamism early on.
Scotland remained under huge pressure for all of the first half as England refused to take their foot off the gas.
Abbie Ward and Lark Atkin-Davies got in the on the act just before half time to send England in 42-0 at half time.
The Red Roses came out a little lacklustre compared to their first half heroics but that was swiftly dispelled as MacDonald showed great pace to finish off a team move in the far corner.
Scotland finally got themselves on the board with a try from Lisa Thomson, who was the beneficiary off the back of a powerful maul.
England seemed to have slowed down their performance but still showed no signs of letting up.
Abbie Dow scored sensationally down the right hand side from 45 metres out as she beat three defenders with some jinky footwork and raw strength. The winger would cross again a few minutes, sending Welford Road into raptures.
Head coach John Mitchell now faces a significant selection dilemma, considering that he made nine changes to his starting lineup in a match that was entirely one-sided.
The Six Nations champions go into the final round, seemingly with one hand already on the trophy after France stuttered to 34-21 win, in which they were largely overpowered.
ENGLAND:
Tries: 9 (Clifford 5′, Packer 16′, Aldcroft 20′, MacDonald 26′, 50′, Ward 33′, Atkin-Davies 40′, Dow 73′, 78′)
Conversions: 7 (Aitchison 6′, 17′, 21′, 27′, 34′, 40′, 50′)
Penalties: 0
Drop Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
Starting XV: 15. Ellie Kildunne 14. Abbie Dow 13. Meg Jones 12. Jade Shekells 11. Claudia MacDonald 10. Holly Aitchison 9. Lucy Packer; 1. Kelsey Clifford 2. Lark Atkin-Davies 3. Sarah Bern 4. Rosie Galligan 5. Abbie Ward 6. Zoe Aldcroft (c) 7. Marlie Packer 8. Maddie Feaunati
Replacements: 16. May Campbell 17. Hannah Botterman 18. Maud Muir 19. Morwenna Talling 20. Alex Matthews 21. Natasha Hunt 22. Helena Rowland 23. Emily Scarratt
Scotland:
Tries: 1 (Thomson 57′)
Conversions: 1 (Nelson 58′)
Penalties: 0
Drop Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 1 (Rollie 77′)
Red Cards: 0
Starting XV: 15. Chloe Rollie 14. Rhona Lloyd 13. Emma Orr 12. Lisa Thomson 11. Francesca McGhie 10. Helen Nelson (c) 9. Caty Mattinson; 1. Anne Young 2. Lana Skeldon 3. Elliann Clarke 4. Becky Boyd 5. Sarah Bonar 6. Evie Gallagher 7. Rachel McLachlan 8. Jade Konkel
Replacements: 16. Elis Martin 17. Leah Bartlett 18. Molly Poolman 19. Adelle Ferrie 20. Gemma Bell 21. Rhea Clarke 22. Rachel Philipps 23. Lucia Scott
England Player Ratings
15. Ellie Kildunne – 6
The World Player of the Year had a fairly quiet match. Apart from a brilliant step around Rhona Lloyd, that left the winger in her wake, the full back was not given the platform she usually receives to perform. That being said, her kicking attributes are vital to England’s gameplan and were utilised well.
14. Abbie Dow – 8
The winger was able to showcase her strong and powerful running throughout the entire match. Multiple defenders beaten and came close to scoring at the end of the first half but just lost her footing. The Trailfinder made amends six minutes from time, running in from half way and handing off Scottish defenders.
13. Meg Jones – 7
Always a solid operator in the outside centre channel and this match was no different. Jones ensured nothing came down her side and put in an energetic showing in attack too. A huge double hit with Dow on Chloe Rollie was the pick of her moments.
12. Jade Shekells – 8
You would not have known that Shekells was making her first test start. Her performance was mature and she displayed levels of a test centurion. She was incredibly strong in contact with a huge fend coming in on the 25th minute. Expect her to become a mainstay in future squads to come.
11. Claudia MacDonald – 9
A player of the match performance from the Exeter Chief. From the get go, the winger had lots of space. She showed her aerial prowess with a great take from the skies on the 14th minute. She continually caused all sorts of problems for the visitors and fully deserves all the plaudits possible for her showing.
10. Holly Aitchison – 8
A strong kicking display from the fly half with a few smart kicks that were able to pin Scotland back. Her ability to command her teammates around her ensured that she could put them into space at all times. Brilliant performance.
9. Lucy Packer– 7
Did not put a foot wrong and ensured that England utilised quick ball decently well. Not much to note but decent display.
1. Kelsey Clifford – 8
Scorer of the first try which capped off a barnstorming showing. Her scrummaging was world class as Scotland crumbled continually throughout. Being one of nine changes, she repaid the faith that head coach John Mitchell had put in her.
2. Lark Atkin-Davies – 7
A couple of issues at lineout time when Scotland were able to steal the ball but ultimately, this does not matter. She was able to score a try and put in a decent defensive shift. Scotland were unable to challenge England for most of the match so she did not have too much to do.
3. Sarah Bern – 9
Often the flashiest players get all the applause. Ellie Kildunne, Claudia MacDonald and Abbie Dow were all excellent but Sarah Bern should definitely be recognised. Her carrying is paramount to England’s success and today was no different. From the first whistle, Bern caused all sorts of issues for Scotland through her aggressive carries. A stunning showing.
4. Rosie Galligan – 8
Always a reliable player, Galligan keeps showing her class. Again, she was one of the multiple changes to England’s starting lineup and showed why she was given a starting spot. Mitchell will surely have a huge selection headache in what will be a Grand Slam decider.
5. Abbie Ward – 7
Try scorer. Lineout extraordinaire. Ward continues to excel on the international stage. A 73rd appearance on the day, she is undoubtedly key to England’s performances and often goes unnnoticed. The second row was at the heart of everything that was successful for the Red Roses.
6. Zoe Aldcroft (c) – 8
The captain’s eyes must have lit up as she intercepted a pass and cantered to score in front of over 15,000 screaming spectators. Aldcroft was excellent and contributed well to the victory.
7. Marlie Packer – 7
The flanker had not featured for England since the first round of the competition but she definitely showed what the England side were missing. Carries galore and dominant hits. The 35 year old looked a far cry away from a seasoned veteran.
8. Maddie Feaunati – 7
Reinstated to the back row for this match, Feaunati put in a decent performance. With multiple carries up through the middle, she was able to make sure her side were generally on the front foot. She received some treatment early on in the second half that seemed to halt her momentum but overall, a decent showing.
Replacements – 7
The damage had already been done before the replacements were able to affect proceedings. Natasha Hunt came on to huge roars from the crowd as did Maud Muir, a new fan favourite. They were able to keep back Scotland who put in a much better performance in the second half. However, they did not much have to do.
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