England Women edge out France Women in a close 10-5 victory

England Women 10 - 5 France Women

Marlie Packer scored the decisive try for England Women at the closing stage as they managed to edge out France Women in a thrilling 10-5 victory in the Old Mutual Wealth Womens' international on Wednesday.

Katy McLean had an opportunity to get England off the mark with an early penalty in the 18th minute but she kicked wide of the posts. However, five minutes later Amy Cokayne crossed over for England after French fly-half Christelle le Duff spilled a kick from McLean which led to a driving maul from line out.

England went into half-time with a slender lead of five points.

France started to apply more pressure on the England defence in the second half and also had a try denied by TMO in the 48th minute with no evidence of grounding.

Le Duff finally made amends for her earlier mess allowing France to level the scores with a 74th minute try but failed to take them to lead after missing the conversion.

France ended one-player short when Camille Grassineau was yellow-carded in the 75th minute which was capitalised by Packer as she touched down to secure a five-point win for the red rose team which was also their first against France in England since 2013.

During the game, prop Rochelle Clark levelled England's record of 114 caps which was held by Jason Leonard.