Women's Rugby: Rachel Burford hails six-try vengeance over the French

Rachel Burford starred in England’s 40-20 triumph over France (Getty)

Centre Rachel Burford was pleased to bury the memory of France’s Six Nations win over England by beating them with a six-try show at Twickenham on Saturday.

Kay Wilson scored two and Maggie Alphonsi marked her long-awaited return from injury with a score of her own in the 40-20 win, which will give the team confidence heading into Wednesday’s match against Canada. Katy McLean, who also kicked eight points, Claire Allan and Ruth Laybourn were England’s other tryscorers.

Burford, voted player of the match, said: “To score 40 points against France is a real credit to our girls. The fact that they beat us in the Six Nations was mentioned, but the focus is on the future. We’re building towards the World Cup, but our main focus is on Canada.”

England ended the first half 26-6 up, having scored four tries, with Sandrine Agricole kicking France’s only points. France rallied after the break and the teams matched each other try for try with two each, but the lead England had built up proved decisive. Marion Lièvre scored both of the French tries.