Chronological coverage updated 12th September 2026 17:50.
Update 1 · 12th September 2026
England’s Red Roses Overcome Half-Time Deficit to Thrash Australia in WXV Opener
England’s Red Roses recovered from a 10-5 half-time deficit to defeat Australia 48-15 in the opening match of the WXV Global Series at CorpAcq Stadium. The victory represents England's first match since winning the grand slam against France in May, extending their streak to 39 consecutive Test victories.
England's 48-15 victory over Australia marked their 39th consecutive Test win in international women's rugby union..
The encounter also served as a trial for the new, smaller size 4.5 ball being introduced to the women's game. England initially struggled with high error counts in the opening period, allowing Australia to control the breakdown and take a lead into the interval. Australia held the advantage despite playing ten minutes of the first half with 14 players after Samantha Wood received a sin-binning for a deliberate knock-on.
Second-Half Comeback and Milestones
England's pack took charge early in the second half. May Campbell finished off a line-out drive in the 47th minute, followed by a dominant scrum display that unlocked the Red Roses' attack. Captain Meg Jones scored after connecting with a low kick from Holly Aitchison, who was earning her 50th international cap.
Wings Mia Venner and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald also scored tries as England ran in eight total tries. Blindside flanker Abi Burton was named the standout performer of the match, having scored England's first try and delivered an impactful all-around effort.
- England extended their winning streak to 39 consecutive Test victories with an eight-try second-half surge.
- The match was the first official Test to trial the new, smaller size 4.5 rugby ball in the women's game.
