England Women Beat France to Win Eighth Six Nations Title

England beat France 43-28 in Bordeaux to win the Women's Six Nations and complete a fifth straight Grand Slam.

The Red Roses extended their unbeaten streak to 38 Tests. They also claimed an eighth consecutive title in the competition.

Captain Meg Jones said the team had to go through a tough defensive test. She said they faced doubt before the match but answered it on the field.

England scored six tries and earned a bonus point for the fifth match in a row. Their total for the tournament reached 42 tries.

France led early after a long breakaway try by Pauline Bourdon Sansus in the 13th minute. England trailed at that point but responded with four tries before half-time.

France scored again in the 53rd minute, but England held on for the win. The visitors had led 26-7 at half-time before France cut the gap to 29-21.

Jones said the team had to prove its defence could hold up. She said outside noise had created doubt but the players showed what England stands for in contact.

England won the title despite missing several players. Four players, including former captain Zoe Stratford, were absent because of pregnancy. More than a dozen others missed matches through injury.

Only six players from last year's World Cup final started against France. Head coach John Mitchell gave five players their first caps during the tournament.

Mitchell also recalled Delaney Burns and Liz Crake after three-year breaks. He changed the second-row pairing for every match because of injuries.

Mitchell said the squad showed bravery through the changes. He praised the staff for keeping the team together during a period of transition.

He said the win was the first step toward defending the World Cup in four years. Mitchell said the group is in a strong position and showed the right intent in Bordeaux.