Ellie Kildunne scores opening try as England beats Scotland in Six Nations

Ellie Kildunne broke through on the left wing to score England’s opening try against Scotland at Murrayfield in the 2026 Women's Six Nations.

Scoring first in a Six Nations clash often dictates momentum, and England’s early breakthrough gave the side a psychological edge while putting pressure on the hosts. The try also reinforced England’s bid to retain the championship, as they entered the match unbeaten and needed a strong win to stay atop a closely contested table.

Ellie Kildunne, a 26‑year‑old wing for the national side, has emerged as a try‑scoring threat since her senior debut in 2022. She logged 12 caps last season and crossed the line eight times, earning a reputation for speed and sideline awareness. Her performance at Murrayfield marks her third try of the 2026 campaign, underscoring her growing importance to England’s attack.

England finished the match with five tries, two of them credited to Kildunne, as the midfield linked seamlessly with the back three ^[1]. Kildunne’s first try came in the third minute when she received a quick pass from centre Emily Scarratt and sprinted down the left wing, grounding the ball just inside the Scottish in‑goal area. Her second score arrived late in the second half, sealing the win and showcasing her speed and positional awareness. Kildunne’s two tries highlighted England’s attacking depth.

Scotland managed only a single try, a consolation score that proved insufficient against England’s relentless offense. The loss leaves the Scottish side trailing in the standings, meaning they must win remaining fixtures to stay in the title race. Coach Bryan Easson said the team will focus on tightening defence and improving set‑piece execution before the next round. Scotland will need to regroup quickly if they hope to stay in contention.

The victory brings England to six consecutive Six Nations wins and keeps them atop the table with a points difference that could prove decisive in a tight championship. With the tournament entering its final weeks, every try and every defensive stand will be scrutinized as teams vie for the coveted title. England next faces Wales in Dublin, while Scotland must travel to France, setting up a crucial weekend that could reshape the leaderboard.

England’s dominant display, anchored by Kildunne’s two scores, underscores why they entered the 2026 tournament as favorites. As the final round approaches, the pressure mounts on all sides to deliver consistency and capitalize on scoring opportunities. The next fixtures will likely determine whether England can clinch the championship before the final weekend.