Rollie score is just a mere consolation

By Mark Stevens
26/3/22

Exeter Chiefs Women’s full-back Chloe Rollie added to her international try tally for Scotland, but her score was a rare bright spark in an otherwise dismal day for her country in their opening Six Nations Championship clash with England in Edinburgh.

Rollie crossed in the first half for the hosts, diving over from a pass by centre Hannah Watson, but it would prove a mere consolation as her side were soundly beaten 57-5.

Marlie Packer led the way for the visitors, scoring three of England’s nine tries at the DAM Health Stadium.

Others to cross were Poppy Cleall, Heather Cowell, Abby Dow, Leanne Infante, Holly Aitchison and Connie Powell with Emily Scarratt bagging five conversions and Helena Rowland the other.

Post-game, England head coach Simon Middleton admitted he was left frustrated by what was a ‘rusty’ display from his side, who are seeking to win a fourth successive Six Nations crown.

"There were errors we shouldn't have made," Middleton said. "I am a little bit frustrated. We'll get to the bottom of it and we'll be better in our next game. We weren't quite at the level we wanted to be."

He added that the hearty resistance put up by Scotland is proof "we are set for a great Six Nations", with England and France dominating the tournament in recent years.

"If people think England are going to have it all their own way they can forget about it," he said.

The attendance of 3,988 is the most ever for a Scotland Women home game, and head coach Bryan Easson said it "shows how far we've come".

"That's not happening by accident, that is happening because of the performances we have put in on the field," he added.