England 46-10 Wales: Ellie Kildunne strikes twice as rampant Red Roses' Grand Slam hopes continue

Wales’ fight to secure a win over the mighty Red Roses would continue as Ashton Gate was treated to a 46-10 win by the reigning Six Nations champions, England

It seems impossible to believe that any side this tournament might take down John Mitchell’s as they seek yet another Grand Slam title in this year’s Six Nations and the record-breaking 19,705 fans attending the Bristol stadium witnessed yet another England takedown. 

Wales were not without their chances, however, and in the opening five minutes England looked exceptionally uncomfortable as the Red Dragons advanced. Ioan Cunningham’s side began defiantly and they were the first to put points on the board following a penalty from England number one Hannah Botterman. 

3-0 after six minutes, it looked optimistic for the visitors. But this was to last all of two minutes as the hosts were quick to retaliate. A phenomenal run from Abby Dow and subsequent touch from Maud Muir saw England become the first try scorers. For the next 30 minutes, it seemed as if they couldn’t stop and Muir’s try was then followed by tries from Zoe Aldcroft - celebrating her 50th cap for England - Hannah Botterman and Lark Atkin-Davies. 

The half-time score read 24-3 and Wales were in complete disarray. Surely there was little hope they could bring it back after the break. 

It did not look promising. Two minutes after the re-start and England were right back on the mark with the Red Roses's two wingers both adding to the ever-growing scoreboard with a try apiece. The pair of Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne had worked tirelessly at the back, providing crucial runs to gain territory whenever there appeared a danger of concession

A consolatory try was then secured by Wales's number 21 Kiera Bevan who took full advantage of a quick restart. While Bevan should well be admired for her cunning tactics, it's hard to ignore that the try was a direct result of England's lack of concentration, and it will be an error reviewed ahead of the next round's clash against Scotland

Any hope of a Welsh revival was soon put to bed and conceding seven further points did not please the homeside. Player of the Match Rosie Galligan scored just five minutes after the visitors put their first try on the board after finding the gap around the fringes of the ruck and just when Wales could begin to feel a shift in momentum, it was quickly stolen away.  

Just nine minutes later, the skillfull excellence of Kildunne was once again highlighted as the England number 15 earned her second try of the match following a superbly athletic finish. England’s eighth try was on the board. 

As the call for increased funding in the women's game continues, the disparity between the two sides could not have been more apparent. While England offered an exhibition of talent, the visitors often undid their own attempts to get more points in the board with poor, thoughtless passing, sloppy errors and an evident fear when on the ball. 

The well-oiled machine of the Red Roses, however, showcased a power-hungry display of slick, well-executed 80 minutes of too-class rugby, resulting in a 46-10 win and the best Rugby team in the world stay at the top of the Six Nations table remains.