The RFU was rewarded for their investment with a record number of fans at a women's rugby match. Photo: Andrew Matthews/Pennsylvania. Wire
The couple walking down Rugby Road may not have been discussing the difference in crowd behavior between men and women at the Twickenham internationals. Only the last part of what seemed to be the final statement was heard. But it certainly had weight.
"That's because the guys haven't had a beer since 6am" suggested a woman in an English shirt. "And they don't brag about who has the biggest dick"
The deliberate remark seemed to stop the conversation, for it was met with a nod and a shrug. Undoubtedly, the Red Roses cemented their Grand Slam in a family atmosphere that was more feminine and less crazy than Twickenham usually reigns.
Obviously, a number of factors contributed to this. The lower ticket prices attracted a younger audience, and the start of the lunch break mitigated the effect of the booze anyway. The warm weather may have helped. However, one should not ignore how Simon Middleton's team has inspired girls and boys in recent years, both with their performances on the pitch and with the way they have interacted with the fans at every opportunity. Like Christian Day, general secretary of Rugby Players' The association said this week: «Players won't be able to take selfies with 60,000 fans, but they'll try.»
After moving around the country for previous home matches, playing in Newcastle and Northampton earlier in this Six Nations, and before that in other cities such as Doncaster and Exeter, it was like the Red Roses were returning home; more special because of its rarity. It would be a lesson if sold-out men's internationals at Twickenham weren't so valuable in a volatile economic climate. The money so generously spent there is vital to the sport.
It was like the Red Roses were returning home. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS. /AFP via Getty Images
Rugby Union deserves huge credit for its committed marketing strategy and thankfully the world record event has rewarded such an investment. Even before the start of the match, the atmosphere was noticeably different. It was lighter and less noisy than the men's tests, not that rampage at sporting events is always a «bad thing». However, its absence does not mean that the game will be suppressed.
England's energetic reception at the stadium has given rise to iconic imagery. Another early clue came at the end of the warm-up when the volume increased as England made their way to the dressing rooms under the West Stand. While the players were inside, Middleton's roster was read out. Give more noise. Every name was met with applause, with skipper Marley Packer probably the loudest. Sadia Kabeya, Abby Doe, Poppy Kliall and Natasha Hunt were not far behind.
The anthems stirred at first, and, interestingly, England looked stifled. France were more confident, both in the exchange of shots and in the transfer of the ball into free space. A deft move by Gabriel Vernier provoked a long period of pressure that lasted about 10 minutes. Decisive jackal passes by Hannah Botterman and Marley Packer still drew roars and «Swing Low»; rotate more harmoniously. Helena Rowland's break ahead of Abby Doe's first attempt changed everything.
From that moment until the break, when the tension clearly subsided, England was swept by a wave of adoration. The crowd remained in the competition, which is not always the case in men's international competition, and showed only a hint of an advantage. Jesse Tremuler's bouncing shot was thrown over the dead ball line. Pauline Bourdon blew several whistles, delaying a clearance from her 22nd.
Twickenham blew up when England took a 23rd-minute headbutt. Amid the admiration for some well-executed attempts that more than proved the value of the product at the show, cheers erupted after Lark Davis was held up. The Sugababes joined in on the fun during the break, showing their support for the Red Roses in the middle of a short set. Viewers reported that there were far fewer jumps up and down for going to the bar; always plus.
Les Sugababes à la mi-temps connues de tout le monde…sauf moi 🥹 pic.twitter.com/UTHo26Fprf
— Fanny Lechevestrier (@fannylechevestr) April 29, 2023
The flurry in the second half in France was celebratory and the result seemed to be beyond doubt. The sound of a trumpet, familiar from Saint-Denis, was heard at the foot of the East Stand at some point. Jess Breach, Cleall and other replacements were welcomed on the field, and the applause for the energetic Cabelle after she was declared man of the match was long and touching. however, away from England's advantage, nervousness waned. It wasn't until Ambre Mwakiembe stepped out into the shade of the pillars that she was relieved. Only then could the real celebration begin. They were also quite loud.
To be clear, male internationals rarely go from casually noisy to intimidating or hostile. However, lowering ticket prices and starting a meaningful test earlier would be a useful experiment because this uplifting day at Twickenham was a huge success. On the other hand, any comparisons might detract from the fact that this was unmistakably Red Roses. Marley Packer hammered it into her Yeovil burdock.
"We weren't pioneers" She said. "It was all about us"
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