England see off USA, but fail to hit top gear

England beat the United States in New Jersey to end a run of two defeats to Canada, but the win did not settle questions about their form at the top of women’s rugby. The Red Roses scored freely, yet struggled at times with their set-piece and attacking flow against a spirited side ranked sixth.

Claudia Moloney-MacDonald scored four of England’s nine tries, with Meg Jones, Alex Matthews Venner, Emma Sing, Holly Aitchison, Maddie Feaunati and Sadia Kabeya also crossing. The United States scored twice, including Kate Zackary’s try on the final play, after keeping the contest close into the second half. England now have areas to address before defending their Women’s Six Nations title in April.