Scotland 5-57 England: Red Roses make strong start in Women's Six Nations

England got their Women's Six Nations title defence off to a roaring start with a nine-try demolition of Scotland.

The Red Roses scored six tries in the first half after the Scots had good possession.

The hosts continued to challenge after the break in Edinburgh.

Marlie Packer completed a hat-trick as England set off in pursuit of a fourth successive title.

England claim 19th straight win despite errors

The decision to move the Women's Six Nations away from the men's tournament was justified as the tries flowed in Edinburgh.

Scotland used a strong set-piece to string phases together, but they could not penetrate their opponents' defence and Helen Nelson missed a penalty, as early England handling errors gave Scotland a solid start in front of a vocal crowd.

Before the tournament, head coach Simon Middleton had asked for more intensity from his Red Roses side and it showed as he watched as Leanne Infante took a quick penalty and Poppy Cleall barrelled into defenders before Packer made it over the line.

Rosie Galligan, who claimed her second England cap more than three years after her first, followed suit as she punched through a gap at the breakdown and fed Cleall for a try.

Scotland was not completely destroyed. Rollie went over in the 17th minute after swift work from the line-out gave them the lead.

It was not as clinical a performance as England are used to, but with so many superstars in the Red Roses starting their 19th win in a row, it still seemed inevitable.

The perfect time for a World Cup try to be scored is six months out from the tournament, and that's when the talent that can play across the whole front row emerged.

The wing did not disappoint as she cut back inside to score, as the finishing has become as reliable as daffodils in spring.

Before the break, there was time for one more Packer try and some trademark fast feet from prop Sarah Bern to set up a score for Infante.

Scotland celebrate small wins

The combination of Jade Konkel's carry and England's ill-discipline gave Scotland the better start in the second half.

The referee decided that Rachel McLachlan had knocked on earlier than she thought, despite Galligan seeming to have banged the ball out of her hands.

When England came, they took their chances and Holly Aitchison was able to get another try.

A score looked certain after Scarratt's cross-field kick found Heather Cowell on the right wing, but full-back Emma Sing dropped the ball to end England's attack.

Such mistakes could prove costly as Middleton rotates his squad and considers his World Cup options.

Scarratt was replaced by Reed after 58 minutes and 10 points in her return from a broken leg.

As the Red Roses continued to empty their bench, it looked as if the floodgates might open as replacement hooker Connie Powell scored in a maul shortly after coming on.

Packer was able to complete her hat-trick after Sing redeemed herself for the earlier error.

After winning a late penalty to avoid a try count reaching double figures, Scotland celebrated small wins against a fully professional England side.

Player of the match - Marlie Packer

Line-ups

Scotland has Rollie, Lloyd, Smith, Thomson, Gaffney, Nelson, Maxwell, Belisle, Wassell, and Malcolm.

The replacements were Wright, Dougan, ODonnell, Donaldson, Law, Smith and Campbell.

England: Kildunne, Scarratt, Aitchison, Dow, Infante, Muir, Davies, Bern, Galligan, Ward, P Cleall, M Packer, Hunter.

Replacements: Powell, Cornborough, B Cleall, Beckett, Matthews, L Packer, Reed, Sing.