Marlie Packer: From the stands at Ashton Gate to a starring role

Marlie Packer was visibly emotional at full-time when handed her Player of the Match award for her two-try performance in England’s 62-24 win against Wales.

Last time the Red Roses played at Ashton Gate Stadium, the West Country venue was the scene of their Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final win against France.

That afternoon the 36-year-old was sat in the stands. Her involvement at the tournament was contained to one 80 minute block against Samoa at Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens.

Fast forward seven months, just over half a year, her performance was the key to England getting a third bonus point win running in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

“It means everything,” Packer told BBC Sport at full-time. “Just putting on this shirt is a massive honour. Being in front of this crowd at Ashton Gate… incredible. Today meant everything.

“We were here in the semi-final and I was in the stands watching with the girls, proudly. To step out in a sold-out Ashton Gate. It means everything.”

The Red Roses had to ride a difficult first half in which they saw debutant try-scorer Millie David leave the pitch with a HIA and Sadia Kabeya with a shoulder injury.

Packer’s dual efforts mean that she now sits joint-third on the overall Red Roses try-scoring charts with 55. Level with fellow scorer Jess Breach.

“We’re loving it,” Packer, when asked about the mood in camp, said. “Every time we come into camp, we just enjoy being with the Red Roses.

“Mitch has got a really good environment for us and it is a really nice place to be. Then we get to put this kind of product out on the pitch.”

Next up for England is a visit to Italy after the fallow week. Wales, meanwhile, have a trip to Belfast to take on Ireland, buoyed by their bonus point against England having registered their most points ever against the Red Roses.

“Really pleased, Wales gave us a good game today,” Packer said. “We knew they’ve improved massively. We’ve got a young squad that stepped up today. Really proud of the girls’ performance.”