Classy Kildunne fires up England

THE fancy footwork of Ellie Kildunne helped pave the way for England to see off Canada at Sandy Park.

-  MARK STEVENS

The Harlequins flyer was in majestic mood, producing a dazzling display that shone brightly in the Devon sunshine.

Her try-double certainly formed the key highlights of a polished performance, but it was her all-round threat that the Canadians struggled to handle throughout.

The Red Roses, playing their first game since last season’s Six Nations, were solid enough, running in eight tries on the day, but coach Louis Deacon believes there is ‘more to come’ from them as they head towards the upcoming WXV Championship.

He did, however, reserve special praise for the full-back, saying: “How good were her feet?

“She was absolutely unbelievable today. Even in the contact area, when she does finally get caught, she really fights and I’ve been massively impressed with her over the last year or so because that wasn’t probably a strength of hers previously. Now, it’s become a real weapon for her.”

As well as Kildunne’s double, there was also two tries for Helena Rowland to go alongside further scores from Marlie Packer, Mackenzie Carson, Lucy Packer and debutant Maisy Allen.