In a commanding display at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on March 29, 2025, England’s women’s rugby team secured a resounding 67-12 victory over Wales in the Women’s Six Nations Championship. The match was highlighted by full-back Ellie Kildunne’s rapid hat-trick, achieved in just eight minutes during the second half, marking her 50th cap with exceptional flair.
Match Highlights:
- Ellie Kildunne’s Hat-Trick: Kildunne’s three tries in quick succession were pivotal in extending England’s lead and showcased her exceptional speed and agility on the field.
- Abi Burton’s Remarkable Debut: Abi Burton, making her debut for England, scored two tries. Her journey is particularly inspiring, having recovered from autoimmune encephalitis, which led to a 25-day coma and a total of 76 days in the hospital.
- Maddie Feaunati and Meg Jones Shine: Number eight Maddie Feaunati contributed two tries, while centre Meg Jones delivered a memorable solo effort in her first appearance of the tournament, adding to England’s dominant performance.
Record-Breaking Attendance:
The match attracted a record crowd of 21,186, the largest ever for a women’s sporting event in Wales, reflecting the growing popularity and support for women’s rugby.
Wales’ Efforts:
Despite the heavy defeat, Wales showed moments of promise. Prop Jenni Scoble’s early try gave the hosts a brief lead, and flanker Kate Williams added another in the second half. Scrum-half Keira Bevan successfully converted one of the tries. However, they struggled to contain England’s relentless attack throughout the match.
England’s Continued Dominance:
This victory extends England’s unbeaten run in the Women’s Six Nations to 31 matches, underscoring their dominance in the competition. The team’s blend of experienced players and emerging talents continues to set high standards in women’s rugby.
Coach and Player Reactions:
England’s head coach, John Mitchell, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of basic skills and ambition. Ellie Kildunne, reflecting on her milestone 50th cap and hat-trick, stated, “I couldn’t have imagined better than a hat-trick on my 50th cap, in front of such an incredible crowd.”
As the Women’s Six Nations progresses, England’s formidable form positions them as strong contenders for a seventh consecutive title. Their next fixture will be closely watched as they aim to maintain their impressive winning streak.
