England’s women posted seven tries in a 38-4 win over France as both nations prepare for the IRL Women’s World Cup in October, but the much-improved hosts made them work hard for their victory in Toulouse on Saturday. Winger Ellise Derbyshire scored two tries on her England debut after France had led 4-0, Lisa Diraison kicking two penalties leading up to the 20th minute.
England women’s head coach, Stuart Barrow, noted: “Getting to play a tough international against a France side who really tested us defensively was invaluable in the build up to the World Cup at the end of the year. “It was pleasing to offer five new debutants an opportunity, and I thought they all took their chance well. It’s given us lots of learnings as we move forward, we started with a low completion rate but defended very well, once we started to play more directly, I thought we showed some really good quality with the ball.”
Leeds backrower Lucy Murray crossed twice in five minutes, debutant Ella Donnelly from the bench and Eva Hunter going over in quick succession to give the visitors a 28-4 half time lead. France showed great defensive resolve in the second period to restrict England to only two more tries, from Jenna Foubister and Derbyshire’s second, Izzy Rowe finishing with five goals from seven attempts.
New France women’s head coach, Alan Walsh, noted: “Our first 15 minutes was close to perfect except for a couple of penalties against us, the players did everything we asked of them. Elisa Akpa had an excellent game and worked tirelessly, Lisa Diraison kicked and organised the team well and defended extremely impressively against their very strong left edge, while Perrine Monsarrat worked really hard and fullback Manon Samarra ran well in attack. I’m extremely proud of the full team.”
The game was played to NRLW Rules with 35-minute halves.
France 4
Manon Samarra, Perle Ramazeilles, Melisa Medina, Amaël Vilanove, Margot Canal, Camille Boudad, Lisa Diraison, Elisa Akpa, Dorine Samarra, Salome Segala, Stecy Bessier, Perrine Monsarrat, Elodie Pacull
Interchanges : Fanny Ramos, Tessa Benmalek, Tallis Eranossian, Sarah-Louise VernayGoals: Diraison 2/2
England 38
Georgia Wilson, Anna Davies, Tamzin Renouf, Evie Cousins, Ellise Derbyshire, Jenna Foubister, Isabel Rowe, Shona Hoyle, Keara Bennett, Mary Coleman, Eva Hunter, Lucy Murray, Megan Williams.
Interchanges: Jodie Cunningham, Victoria Whitfield, Ruby Bruce, Ella Donnelly.
Tries: Derbyshire (17, 62), Murray (23, 28), Donnelly (32), Hunter (34), Foubister (48)
Goals: Rowe 5/7
Referee: Stephane Vincent (France)
Half Time: 4-28
