The England lock Zoe Aldcroft calls for the ball as soon as she sees Sarah Beckett has punctured the France defence. The forward offloads to Aldcroft, who beats Émilie Boulard to weave her way to the line for England’s fifth try in the first half in their grand slam‑winning match at Twickenham 12 months ago. The subsequent wall of crowd noise is what Aldcroft remembers most on a day that broke the world attendance record for a women’s rugby game.
The score went on to be nominated for World Rugby’s try of the year and it is clear to see why. It was a fluid and fast-paced attack, with its buildup involving 18 passes and five rucks. Aldcroft, who ultimately lost out on the try award to Italy’s Sofia Stefan, is hunting that roar from fans once again on Saturday as the Red Roses take on Ireland at the home of English rugby.
