England vs Scotland LIVE: Latest score and updates from Women’s Six Nations fixture today
All the latest updates as the champions England begin their defence at Castle Park
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Your support makes all the difference.England start their Women's Six Nations title defence against Scotland this afternoon in a match being held in Doncaster.
The last time the two teams played one another was in last year's tournament where the Red Roses demolished Scotland 53-0. However, the visitors have been building as a team and pulled off a stunning performance to draw 13-13 against France in their rescheduled 2020 Six Nations clash so the match could be closer than expected.
While the rivalry between the two teams will have the same passion as always, the format to the Women's Six Nations is anything but familiar this year. As the competition had to be postponed due to Covid-19, the structure will follow a format similar to the men's Autumn Nations Cup. England and Scotland are joined by Italy in pool A while France, Wales and Ireland are in pool B.
England head coach Simon Middleton is thrilled to have a rejuvenated side and admits there is excitement to put on a show on the big stage: “We’re pleased to be able to welcome a number of players back from injury. It’s great to have Bryony back in the frame. It’s over two years since her debut and she’s been really unfortunate with injuries, however she’s continued to work hard on her rehab and return to play programme and deserves her opportunity.
“Similarly, Cath O’Donnell has been out for a long time. Cath brings a physicality and a go forward quality you need in international rugby and it’s great to see her back on the field. We’ve had a high-quality week preparing in Doncaster and we are as ready as we can possibly be at this point to play. Games against Scotland are always special occasions and this one will be no different. We’re delighted our games are being broadcast across the BBC and are aiming to put on a show.”
2 min: ENGLAND 0-0 SCOTLAND
England were just a metres out there but a cross field kick goes awry.
The referee comes back for the advantage given as Scotland are ruled offside.
1 min: ENGLAND 0-0 SCOTLAND
Scarratt’s kick off was clean and England immediately put Scotland under pressure.
Scotland kick for territory and the ball ends up in England’s hands as they start their first attacking play.
Kick off!
England vs Scotland has kicked off at Castle Park!
The Women’s Six Nations has begun....
England wear black armbands
England are wearing black armbands as a mark of respect after winger Abby Dow’s father Paul passed away earlier this week.
The winger is not playing in the fixture today.
Teams are heading out to the pitch
Just moments away from the clash getting underway!
The teams are running out onto the pitch ahead of the anthems, who will win this one?
Ten minutes to kick-off!
There is just ten minutes to go until England and Scotland kick-off in the first match of the 2021 Women’s Six Nations.
The big stories of the match will be the tale of the fly-half for England after Katy Daley-Mclean retired from international rugby last year and if Scotland can challenge the Red Roses.
Not long now!
No crowds in Doncaster
The match may be played behind closed doors today but, with the fixture being held separately to the men’s, more fans could be watching the game than ever.
The teams are out on the pitch warming up for the clash that kicks off at 3.
Scotland want to close the gap
The gap between England and Scotland has been clear to see over the past two Women’s Six Nations tournaments.
In 2019, Simon Middleton’s team defeated Scotland 80-0 and last year England won 53-0.
The visitors at Castle Park this afternoon will want to close the gap on their rivals and to cause upset on this opening weekend.
Just under 30 minutes to go!
There’s just under half an hour to go until England vs Scotland kicks off.
The Red Roses are favourites to win but Scotland have gelled well in recent months so they could cause an upset.
England captaincy
Emily Scarratt will take the captaincy for England this afternoon as Sarah Hunter is still managing her return to play following a long-term injury.
Hunter did return to the pitch last weekend for her club Loughborough Lightning and is in Simon Middleton’s squad. She is expected to make an appearance at some point during the tournament.
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