Scotland head coach Sione Fukofuka admits he was “very disappointed” after England showed everyone in the 30,498 Murrayfield crowd just why they are world champions by dismantling the hosts 84-7 in the Women’s Six Nations on Saturday.
This was a milestone day for Scotland women’s rugby with it being just the ninth time the national team has played at the national stadium – and a first standalone game with a crowd for them – and the attendance was a record for a female sporting event north of the border.
Unfortunately, after a win over Wales seven days before, the performance did not match the occasion here.
For the visitors, unbeaten in 35 Tests against all opponents now, it was a routine victory.
For Scotland, it was their biggest margin of defeat to England since the 80-0 loss at Twickenham in 2019 and, with centre Evie Wills picking up what looked like a serious shoulder issue and skipper Rachel Malcolm a knee problem that needs assessed, the injury list is continuing to mount ahead of the round three game in Italy this coming weekend.
After England posted 12 converted tries to Scotland’s one to well and truly play the role of party poopers in Edinburgh, Fukofuka said: “I’m very disappointed to be honest.
“The occasion was fantastic, but in terms of the rugby, full credit to England head coach John Mitchell, captain Meg Jones and their team because they really brought it to us.
“When we weren’t accurate, when we weren’t clinical and when we didn’t execute we got punished.
“The reality is that England are the world number one side for a reason and we gave them opportunities off the back of some of our own issues and decision making that didn’t go right and they took most of what was given to them.
“I don’t think the occasion was overwhelming for us in terms of how we approached the game – we had a clear plan and we simply didn’t execute.
“We now have a lot to work on heading into the Italy game. We will take lessons from this England game and turn it around, I am adamant about that.
“We will dust ourselves down now and I feel really confident that we can turn it around in Italy and put in a good performance.
“I want to see accuracy – we are a good team and can be accurate under pressure, but in this game we weren’t and England were able to expose that.”
Winger Rhona Lloyd scored Scotland’s sole try – she now has 30 for her country – and stand-off Helen Nelson converted.
Ellie Kildunne, the winger, and sub Sarah Bern led the way with try doubles for England while stand-off Zoe Harrison kicked all her conversions.
In the other round two matches, France won 38-7 in Wales and Ireland defeated Italy 57-20 at home.
Ellie Kildunne is pictured scoring for England versus Scotland – thanks to England Rugby
The Women’s Six Nations is here and the 2026 event runs from April 11 to May 17 and, between April 6 and May 20, GH Media will be covering Scotland’s campaign and the wider tournament – keep an eye out for content and thanks to everyone who supports GH Media’s work within women’s rugby