Women’s Rugby World Cup: Jess Breach stars in ‘one team’ England

Different team, same result.

Even with John Mitchell making 13 changes to his starting XV, World Cup favourites England demolished amateur side Samoa in Northampton.

The world’s number one-ranked team were always expected to win big, the question was how big.

Given Samoa’s part-time players had to crowdfund to take their place in the tournament and are the second lowest ranked side in the tournament in 15th, a record 92-3 Women’s World Cup win for fully professional England came as no surprise.

The victory also seals England’s spot in the knockout stages, which was the number one goal prior to kick-off.

“It’s not about comparing the line-ups, we are one team and one circle,” Mitchell told BBC Sport.

“You can get loose when the scoreboard builds but we didn’t do that. I am thrilled with the performance.

“We could select anyone at the end of the day, we will need everyone because the injury gods haven’t been kind to us.”

Samoa are appearing at their first Women’s Rugby World Cup since 2014 and came into the game off the back of a 73-0 defeat by Australia.

Given the weak opposition, it was an ideal chance for England’s backline stars to shine.

Utility back Helena Rowland proved a more than capable back-up fly-half as she scored 27 points to break the individual record in a Women’s World Cup game.

It was not just the points but Rowland’s kicking from hand that stood out, with multiple excellent clearance kicks.

Her half-back partner Lucy Packer scored a sharp try from the base of the ruck and her rapid service helped give Rowland time to get the backline moving.

Megan Jones continued her fine form in the centre, scoring two well-taken tries, while competition on the wing continues to heat up.