England cemented their status as favourites for the Women's Rugby World Cup but were pushed all the way in a 13-7 win over France in New Zealand on Saturday.
The world’s top-ranked side forced fourth-ranked France to attempt more than 140 tackles in the first half, and that pressure told when outside centre Scarratt crossed.
Scrumhalf Laure Sansus and No 8 Romane Menager both had to be helped off the field and their fitness for the remainder of France’s campaign was unclear.Scotland must now upset hosts New Zealand in the final round next week to have any chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals from Pool A, while Japan will face the same scenario against Pool B rivals Italy.
The match was a sharp contrast to the only other meeting of the two nations, when USA won 121-0 in pool play at the 1994 World Cup. Second-half tries to Bienne Terita and Ashley Marsters helped the Wallaroos overcome a 12-0 deficit at the interval, but the match finished in tense circumstances when Marsters and Adiana Talakai were both sent off for high tackles.“A bit of a nerve-wracking one, it was a real tough battle,” Parry said.
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