Rugby Union Match Report | England 92 - 3 Samoa

England safely into the last eight of the Women’s Rugby World Cup

Jess Breach scored a hat-trick as England delivered their biggest ever World Cup win, defeating Samoa to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Author | Jamie P

Stadium | Franklin's Gardens

The Red Roses had previously recorded their widest World Cup winning margin with an 82-0 victory over Kazakhstan in 2010, while their highest points total in a World Cup match came against Fiji in 2022, when they scored 84.

Fly-half Helena Rowland contributed 27 points, setting a new record for individual points in a Women’s World Cup game. Her final kick from wide outstripped the previous record of 25 points held by Nicky Crawford and Sue Day.

England dominated the first half in Northampton, crossing for seven tries, including two from centre Megan Jones. Sarah Bern, Maddie Feaunati, Lark Atkin-Davies and Lucy Packer also scored as the hosts delivered a clinical display.

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Samoa, a fully amateur side, managed a penalty through Harmony Vatau to make it 47-0, which was celebrated by their supporters.

England added another seven tries in the second half, extending their winning streak to 29 games. Their last defeat came in the 2022 World Cup final against New Zealand.

England were outstanding

Samoa, whose part-time players had to crowd-fund their way into the tournament, were never likely to pose much of a threat.

Ramsey Tomokino’s side had suffered a 73-0 defeat against Australia in Salford in their opening game and appeared set to face a similar scoreline as England quickly settled into their rhythm.

Kelsey Clifford’s deft handling set up Megan Jones for the opening try, the centre finishing after a sharp right-foot step. Jess Breach then accelerated into the corner to claim her 50th international try in just 49 appearances, before Sarah Bern powered over close to the line.

England had faced Samoa only twice before, recording wins in 2005 and 2014 with a combined score of 118-3.

The relative unfamiliarity of their opponents did not unsettle the hosts, with Jones crossing for a second try following a break from full-back Emma Sing.

The Red Roses’ forward strength, which had proved decisive in a 69-7 victory over the United States in their opening World Cup match, was evident again through tries from forwards Maddie Feaunati and Lark Atkin-Davies.

Scrum-half Lucy Packer brought speed and energy to the game, her try highlighting her ability to spot a gap and dive over.