Source: RFU via Getty Images

Valkyries Rochelle Clark earns 114th cap

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Worcester Valkyries’ Rochelle Clark came off the bench to make her 114th England appearance as the Red Roses defeated France 10-5 at Twickenham Stoop on Wednesday night.

Prop Clark matched Jason Leonard’s England cap record of 114 after she came on in the 56th minute and she is set to equal Valkyries Director of Rugby Donna Kennedy’s all-time international record of 115 caps if she appears in Sunday’s game against Ireland in Dublin.

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Rachael Burford, Rocky Clark, Tamara Taylor & Danielle Waterman (Photo: Valkyries)

The Red Roses made early territorial dominance pay in the first half against France when Amy Cokayne went over from a catch-and-drive in the 22nd minute.

The match looked as if it was heading for a tight Red Roses win, however France seized on England indecision as Christelle le Duff went over in the corner seven minutes from time.

Camille Grassineau was sent to the sin-bin three minutes later for a tip tackle on Fiona Pocock and England took advantage from the resulting lineout as Marlie Packer dived over to give England their first win against France in England since 2013.

England Women Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to get the win against last season’s Six Nations champions.

“We showed fantastic execution with that killer blow. We’ve talked for a while about what being ruthless looks like and that was a great example of it.

“Rocky is amazing, she’s indestructible. She gets better, she works so hard on her game and her physical wellbeing. She’s a credit to the sport and she’s far from finished.”

Old Mutual Wealth Series
England 10-5 France, Wednesday 9 November, Twickenham Stoop
Ireland vs England, Sunday 13 November*, University College Dublin, 2pm
England vs New Zealand, Saturday 19 November, Twickenham Stoop, 12pm
England v Canada, Saturday 26 November, Twickenham, 5.05pm
*Not part of Old Mutual Wealth Series

Report courtesy of  Worcester Valkyries