England triumphs over France 38-19 in Kingsholm friendly
- England defeated France 38-19 in a warm-up friendly at Kingsholm, showcasing intense rivalry and physicality.
- Standout performances included Ellie Kildunne, Tatyana Heard, and Maddie Feaunati, with Heard named player of the match.
- The victory extended England's winning streak against France to 14 games, setting the stage for their upcoming match against New Zealand.
In a fierce warm-up friendly at Kingsholm, England triumphed over France with a score of 38-19. The match showcased intense rivalry, highlighted by a significant collision between Ellie Kildunne and France's fly-half Lina Tuy. England's head coach, John Mitchell, remarked on the mental toll their defensive efforts had on the French team, emphasizing that the match was far from friendly. Despite some pre-season kinks, standout performances came from Kildunne, player-of-the-match Tatyana Heard, and Maddie Feaunati, who made her Test debut. The first half ended with England leading 19-0, thanks to tries from Jess Breach and Helena Rowland, who capitalized on a yellow card issued to France's Agathe Sochat for cynical play. The Red Roses maintained their dominance throughout the match, extending their winning streak against France to 14 consecutive games. The atmosphere at Kingsholm was electric, with a crowd that contributed to the physicality of the encounter. Looking ahead, England is set to face New Zealand next weekend, a match that carries significant weight as it marks the beginning of a season leading to the Rugby World Cup hosted in England. Mitchell expressed the team's desire to perform consistently at Twickenham, aiming to inspire both current and future generations of players. The match served as a crucial preparation for England, allowing them to refine their strategies and build momentum as they approach the World Cup. The players will take time to recover before focusing on the challenge posed by New Zealand, a team they last faced in the 2022 World Cup final.