France 4-40 England: Emily Rudge leads by example as visitors win women's Test in Perpignan
England score seven tries with Jodie Cunningham, Emily Rudge, Caitlin Beevers, Amy Hardcastle all crossing the whitewash
Saturday 23 October 2021 16:57, UK
Captain Emily Rudge scored a try in each half as England extended their unbeaten record against France with a 40-4 victory in the women's Test in Perpignan.
After a scrappy opening, the visitors seized control of Saturday's contest with three tries in the last 15 minutes of the first half through centre Amy Hardcastle, substitute Paige Travis, and second rower Rudge.
Stand-off Jodie Cunningham took a return pass from Rudge within a minute of the restart to extend the lead and, as the French began to tire, Rudge claimed her second try and hooker Tara Jones and winger Caitlin Beevers also crossed.
It took England until the 26th minute to open the scoring as Amy Hardcastle surged over for her 15th try in 19 international appearances, but they extended that lead to 16-0 at half-time with further scores from Paige Travis and Rudge's first.
Cunningham then ran over from 40 metres out to provide the perfect start to the second half, although that was followed by a period of France pressure which forced England to show their defensive qualities.
Their line held intact, and after Rudge pounced for her second, further tries followed from the St Helens hooker Tara Jones and the Leeds wing Caitlin Beevers.
Castleford's Tara-Jane Stanley kicked five goals, and scrum-half Beth Stott also slotted one, but France claimed a late try which their efforts deserved through Melanie Bianchini.
