The Japan Times - England survive France fightback to seal Women's 6 Nations slam

In an encounter between two unbeaten teams, England led 31-7 after 24 minutes and 43-28 with 10 minutes to play, and held off a late rally for a seventh straight European title.

"I am so proud of all of the girls' effort, we battled it out today. France came at us so all credit to us for holding on," England skipper Zoe Aldcroft told the BBC.

"When we build pressure we need to keep our foot on the throttle. We will have a couple of drinks after this and enjoy tonight!"

In a game of 13 tries, England tore into the visitors in the first 23 minutes.

Winger Abby Dow touched down after six minutes. Carla Arbez hit back three minutes later for France, before Dow, fullback Emma Sing twice, hooker Lark Atkin-Davies and wing Claudia MacDonald all touched down for the hosts in the next 14 minutes.

Scrum half Pauline Bourdon and centre Marine Menager replied to cut the gap to 31-21 at half-time.

Flanker Aldcroft and Dow, either side of a French try by wing Kelly Arbey put the hosts 15 points ahead.

That proved to be just enough in the end as Morgane Bourgeois touched down with nine minute to play and Joanna Grisez flashed down the wing to score, but there was only enough time for France to drop the kick-off.

"I knew that we would have to win the game three or four times," England coach John Mitchell told the BBC.

Zoe Harrison kicked four conversions for England while Bourgeois goaled all the French tries to keep Les Bleues close.

"It's hard to put into words the emotions we're having right now," said France co-captain Manae Feleu. "Everyone told us we were going out as losers. We proved everyone wrong."

"I didn't enjoy that," England prop Hannah Botterman told the BBC. "I am just glad we did it."

England completed another Grand Slam -- the only time they have not swept all the other sides in their triumphal run was in the Covid-curtailed 2021 season.

England's next scheduled match is their World Cup opener against the United States on August 22 in Sunderland.

"That was a bit nervy. Defence wins titles and that wasn't great from us but our start was pretty good," said Mitchell.

"I would rather have this sort of feedback, any day of the week," said Mitchell. "We got it done... and now we can have a celebration and get ready for a World Cup."

- 'Heart and pride' -

Earlier, Scotland rounded off their women's Six Nations campaign with a thrilling last-minute 26-19 win over Ireland.

The Irish started favourites but were met by a resolute Scottish outfit that rarely let them take the initiative despite the visitors taking an early lead through Amee-Leigh Costigan.

Emma Orr's try for Scotland on half-time gave the hosts a huge psychological boost sending them in 12-7 up.

Even though the Irish battled back to level at 19-19 the Scots won it at the death as Francesca McGhie went over and Helen Nelson added the extras for a huge win ahead of the World Cup later this year.

"We wanted to come out and show heart and pride in the jersey at home and I think we did exactly that today," player-of-the-match Rachel McLachlan told the BBC.

Victory moved Scotland into fourth place on nine points. The Irish, with 11 points, will finish third for the third successive year.

Italy host bottom-placed Wales in the final match -- postponed due to Pope Francis' funeral -- on Sunday.

H.Nakamura--JT