England’s Red Roses steamrollered into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 13-try demolition of South Africa, claiming a 75-0 win that extends their unbeaten run to 28 games. Hat-tricks from Rosie Galligan in the second row and from hooker Connie Powell underlined a show dominated by England’s pack as their set-piece and maul ground the Springboks to rubble.
All but one of the tries were registered by forwards, a 64th-minute effort from Abby Dow who was impressive with the little ball she had on the right wing. Poppy Cleall and Sadia Kabeya notched a brace apiece with Shaunagh Brown and captain Marlie Packer dotting down as well. It is telling, though, that the player of the match was awarded to Tatyana Heard at inside centre. She carried with force and dictated the tempo of the game.
