Marlie Packer scored three times as England beat Australia 41-5 in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup; The Red Roses will go to the semifinals next Saturday
Last updated: 10/30/22 3:08 am
Marlie Packer scores one of her three tries in England’s quarter-final win over Australia
England secured their spot in the semifinals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a 41-5 victory over Australia in Auckland.
With the rain pouring down in the first half and the pitch drenched in water, there were fouls from both sides. But in the end England took control of the game.
Their first attempt came from skipper Sarah Hunter, who was on a record 138th. She scored under the posts as England’s powerful game spilled over the fence.
Sarah Hunter has a record 138 caps for England
In the first half, both England’s Zoe Aldcroft and Australia’s captain Shannon Parry were shown yellow cards. However, the Red Roses controlled the conditions better and held on to the lead on the scoreboard throughout the game.
With a line-up, England set up a driving maul that Marlie Packer came face to face on her team’s second attempt.
She created deeper breathing space for the Red Roses as she crossed the Australian line to try again.
However, Australia counter-attacked just before the end of the first half. Emily Chancellor slipped over the line at speed that ended a stylish attempt.
But they couldn’t get any further on the scoreboard. Instead, efforts from Abbie Ward, Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews further extended the British lead. Packer then won her third attempt of the match when another maul drove over the line in the final minute of the game.
England went through another test with a 41-5 margin of victory and their winning streak remains intact.
The two-time champion, who has never lost a World Cup semi-final, has extended that winning record to 29 consecutive wins and will face the United States or Canada in the final four clashes at Eden Park. next Saturday.
Hosts New Zealand, the last team to beat the English in 2019, will meet Wales in the other semi-final.
“We’ve been talking all week about trying to get off to a good start and we’re used to these conditions while in England, and it shows,” England captain Sarah Hunter said.
“We were able to adapt and still play rugby. I’m really proud of how the girls attacked this game. It’s easy when you see it slamming down to dodge but the team has come forward.
“We’re in rugby knockout and that’s the kind of performance you want.”
Red Roses potential path to World Cup glory
England will face the winners of Canada’s clash with the United States, which takes place shortly after their game in Auckland.
Canada topped Group B after three bonus wins, including a 29-14 win over the US in their last pool final. The semi-final between Canada and England will represent a repeat of the 2014 final won by the Red Roses.
France – the team finished second behind England in Group C – the tournament faces host New Zealand in the last four matches.
Both semi-finals take place at Eden Park on Saturday, November 5, with the first match – featuring England – starting at 3.30am GMT before New Zealand vs France kicks off at 6.30am. shining.
England and New Zealand have contested four of the last five World Cup finals, with Black Ferns appearing on top each time. This year’s final takes place on Saturday, November 12 (18:30 GMT).
