"Tense. Gripping. A proper Test match. Australia put England under the most pressure they have faced in a long time with a superb first half performance but the Red Roses pulled away in the second half to seal a quarter-final against Scotland and their 30th win in a row, which equalled their own world record. The scoreline was not a true reflection of what a battle this final Pool A match was with England not taking the lead until the 33rd minute."
"While the errors made by England will be a worry, what may cause more concern are the injuries sustained to key players in a brutal encounter. The prop Hannah Botterman suffered an acute back spasm and the full-back Ellie Kildunne and the back row Morwenna Talling failed head injury assessments. Australia knew before kick-off a win, one bonus-point or a defeat by fewer than 74 points would see them through to the quarter-final stage."
England produced a dominant second half to beat Australia 47-7 and secure a quarter-final meeting with Scotland while equalling a 30-match winning streak. Australia applied intense early pressure, disrupted England's lineout, won a scrum penalty and opened the scoring through Adiana Talakai from a maul. Jess Breach scored on her 50th cap and England capitalised as the match progressed. Key incidents included Amy Cokayne being held up and a try ruled out by TMO. Injuries will be a concern after Hannah Botterman suffered an acute back spasm and Ellie Kildunne and Morwenna Talling failed head-injury assessments. Australia required a win, a bonus point or a defeat under 74 points to progress, eliminating USA and setting up a potential tie with Canada.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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