England vs Scotland LIVE: Latest score and updates from Women’s Six Nations fixture today

All the latest updates as the champions England begin their defence at Castle Park

Jess Breach of England holds off Chloe Rollie of Scotland (Getty)

England start their Women's Six Nations title defence against Scotland this afternoon in a match being held in Doncaster.

The last time the two teams played one another was in last year's tournament where the Red Roses demolished Scotland 53-0. However, the visitors have been building as a team and pulled off a stunning performance to draw 13-13 against France in their rescheduled 2020 Six Nations clash so the match could be closer than expected.

While the rivalry between the two teams will have the same passion as always, the format to the Women's Six Nations is anything but familiar this year. As the competition had to be postponed due to Covid-19, the structure will follow a format similar to the men's Autumn Nations Cup. England and Scotland are joined by Italy in pool A while France, Wales and Ireland are in pool B.

England head coach Simon Middleton is thrilled to have a rejuvenated side and admits there is excitement to put on a show on the big stage: “We’re pleased to be able to welcome a number of players back from injury. It’s great to have Bryony back in the frame. It’s over two years since her debut and she’s been really unfortunate with injuries, however she’s continued to work hard on her rehab and return to play programme and deserves her opportunity.

“Similarly, Cath O’Donnell has been out for a long time. Cath brings a physicality and a go forward quality you need in international rugby and it’s great to see her back on the field. We’ve had a high-quality week preparing in Doncaster and we are as ready as we can possibly be at this point to play. Games against Scotland are always special occasions and this one will be no different. We’re delighted our games are being broadcast across the BBC and are aiming to put on a show.”

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England vs Scotland

• England: McKenna; Thompson, Scarratt (capt), Tuima, Breach; Rowland, Riley; Cornborough, Davies, B Cleall, Ward, O’Donnell, Aldcroft, Packer, P Cleall.
• Scotland: Rollie; Shankland, Smith, Thomson, Gaffney, Nelson, McDonald; Bartlett, Skeldon, Belisle, Wassell, McMillan, Malcolm (capt), McLachlan, Cattigan.

[3 April 2021 17:06 · Jack Rathborn]

England vs Scotland player ratings

A Jess Breach-inspired England inflicted a heavy defeat on Scotland to kick-start their Women’s Six Nations title defence.

It was a bonus-point victory for Simon Middleton’s side, who shared the glory around.

Breach went over with a sensational solo effort, while Marlie Packer, Leanne Riley, Lark Davies and Bryony Cleall, Helena Rowland and Poppy Cleall all scored tries o ftheir own.

In response to that, and a penalty try for England, Scotland’s only response was through Hannah Smith, with Molly Wright sent off for the Scots.

[3 April 2021 17:03 · Sarah Rendell]

Great opener!

What a match to open the 2021 Women’s Six Nations!

England have now gone top of pool A after their 52-10 win over Scotland.

The first match for pool B kicks off at 8 as France take on Wales.

[3 April 2021 16:52 · Sarah Rendell]

Full-time: ENGLAND 52-10 SCOTLAND

A clinical performance from England gives them a huge 52-10 win over Scotland.

It was an improved performance from Scotland but loose passes and penalties cost them.

[3 April 2021 16:50 · Sarah Rendell]

77 min: ENGLAND 52-10 SCOTLAND

A penalty try given to England and McMillan gets a yellow

[3 April 2021 16:49 · Sarah Rendell]

77 min: ENGLAND 45-10 SCOTLAND

P. Cleall has been given the Player of the Match! No tackles missed for the No.8 this afternoon

[3 April 2021 16:47 · Sarah Rendell]

75 min: ENGLAND 45-10 SCOTLAND

England scrum five metres out here

They will want to come away with points now after being in the 22 for a while.

[3 April 2021 16:46 · Sarah Rendell]

75 min: ENGLAND 45-10 SCOTLAND

P. Cleall’s try is disallowed as she knocked the ball on before grounding

[3 April 2021 16:45 · Sarah Rendell]

75 min: ENGLAND 50-10 SCOTLAND

P. Cleall scores again for her third of the afternoon!

The TMO is checking if there was a knock on before grounding

[3 April 2021 16:44 · Sarah Rendell]

74 min: ENGLAND 45-10 SCOTLAND

Scotland are now in possession and they are building from within their own half. They have passed the ball forward in their own 22 and so England have a great position here.

[3 April 2021 16:43 · Sarah Rendell]

73 min: ENGLAND 45-10 SCOTLAND

England once again on the attack, can they get another try before the end of this one?

Rowland kicks a clinical ball to gain major territory