Wales Women beat England Women for second time ever in Six Nations opener

Wales Women recorded only their second victory over England Women as they ran in two tries and kept their opponents scoreless for a 13-0 Six Nations win in Swansea.

Tries for Catrin Edwards and Laurie Harries as well as a penalty from the boot of Harries and tireless defence kept England at bay, with Wales in control throughout the second half.

The sun was out in Swansea, allowing for open, expansive rugby, but on the day it was the forwards who were asked to do the most work.

By half-time only a Harries penalty for Wales separated the two teams as the packs cancelled each other out, but after the break the superiority of the Welsh forwards began to tell and it allowed the hosts to take the game away from England.

In the 48th minute, Wales were awarded a penalty that would have extended their lead to six, but captain Rachel Taylor opted for the lineout.

The ball was not moved any further than first and second receiver as Wales patiently recycled the ball. They did not make any ground due to the disciplined English defence, but when they opted to give the ball some width on the left side of the field they were rewarded with a try from tighthead prop Edwards.

Frustration

The score seemed to give England more impetus as they grew into the game, making territory with each carry and playing wide with confidence, but the Welsh defence ensured that every visit from England into their half bore no fruit.

By the 60th minute, England had missed three attempts at goal, which would have kept them in the game, and their frustration began to show as Wales indicated no significant fatigue despite being asked to tackle for large periods of the encounter.

The game was sealed for Wales when fly-half Elinor Snowsill kicked dangerously into the England 22, and a favourable bounce allowed winger Harries to collect the ball at pace and beat the defence to cross the whitewash for the final score of the match.

Since the first clash between these sides, the two have met a total of 32 times and this is only the second victory for Wales, having beaten England in Taff's Well in 2009.

England will host Italy at the Twickenham Stoop next weekend for Round 2, while Wales face the challenge of a trip to Broadwood Stadium to take on a Scottish side who will be smarting from their 42-0 loss to France on Saturday.