VALKYRIES’ Lydia Thompson crossed the whitewash for England Women in their 56-13 thumping of Italy in the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
In her 34th cap for the Red Roses, Thompson’s well-worked try was one of ten scores for England at Billings Park on Sunday, with Worcester’s Rochelle Clark also impressing for her country on her 126th appearance.
England Women head coach Simon Middleton said: “We’ve trained together for a long time and we’re really comfortable about our combinations. We’ve played two games with a lot of ball in play and it’s how we want to play.
“I was really pleased with our defence. There was a lot of intensity about us and we really focused hard. Our attitude was outstanding.”
The win comes off the back of a 56-5 victory over Spain in their opening Pool B clash, which also saw Thompson score.
England round off the group stage this Thursday when they take on the USA, who sit joint-top of Pool B on ten points after also winning both their group games, at Billings Park, Dublin (Kick-off 2.30pm).
Meanwhile, Valkyries’ Shona Powell-Hughes and Dyddgu Hywel both featured for Wales in their 15-0 loss to Canada on Sunday.
The result means the Welsh cannot progress to the semi-finals after losing their opening Pool A match to New Zealand 44-12.
They wrap up the pool stage this Thursday against Hong Kong at the UCD Bowel, Dublin (Kick-off 5.15pm).