This video can not be played
England 69-7 USA – Highlights of Impressive Victory in Sunderland
A memorable scene unfolds in the Netflix documentary ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die,’ where executive director Charlie Methven seeks innovative ideas to enhance the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.
“If I were the DJ, this is how I’d approach it,” he declares to a group of somewhat bewildered staff, as dance music emanates from his laptop speakers.
“We want to create a rocking environment, a bit mad… noisier, more in-your-face.”
As it turns out, the solution might simply involve more cowboy hats. Of course, resounding victories never hurt either.
The Red Roses arrived in town and delivered both. Their commanding 69-7 triumph over the United States unfolded before a crowd of 42,723 – the largest ever to attend a Women’s Rugby World Cup match – who reveled in the team’s 28th consecutive win.
Following a pre-match performance by pop star Anne-Marie, complete with pyrotechnics and energetic dancers, it took a mere three minutes for the familiar strains of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” to reverberate throughout the stadium.
For the most part, England’s performance was as smooth and polished as expected.
Ellie Kildunne, the reigning World Player of the Year, whose exceptional skills and down-to-earth personality have made her the face of the tournament in England, certainly lived up to her reputation.
The full-back amassed 153 meters and five clean breaks, scored two tries, and set up two more for her teammates, earning her the player-of-the-match award.
As the cameras focused on Kildunne at the final whistle, the stadium announcer played Oasis’ “She’s Electric” – a fitting choice, perhaps, if one doesn’t scrutinize the lyrics too closely.
This video can not be played
Mitchell: ‘So much more left in England’ after Red Roses’ opening win
For many new viewers of this England team, it was a remarkable spectacle.
However, none of this will come as a surprise to head coach John Mitchell, who will be focusing more on the finer details of his team’s performance, rather than Kildunne’s well-known headline-grabbing abilities.
The seamless interplay between Tatyana Heard and Megan Jones – a center partnership that blends power, pace, and intelligence – will have been particularly encouraging.
Jones executed perhaps the tackle of the match, stopping Lotte Sharp in her tracks with a hit that drew gasps from the crowd.
Her break, followed by Heard’s quick hands, set up Abby Dow’s try shortly after half-time.
It seems unlikely that veteran Emily Scarratt, who entered the game as a substitute in the second half, will be able to force her way back into the starting lineup anytime soon.
Loose-head Hannah Botterman was a force in the loose and secured a crucial turnover, perhaps motivated by the opportunity to outperform United States’ Hope Rogers, who was selected in World Rugby’s Team of the Year in her position.
Sadia Kabeya buzzed with energy in the back row, while fly-half Zoe Harrison’s kicking for goal was exceptional.
With Emma Sing, the squad’s most reliable kicker, on the bench, and with accurate kicking potentially crucial in the knockout stages, maintaining high standards in this area is essential.
The driving maul remains a potent weapon, and the clever variation that led to hooker Amy Cokayne’s try will give opponents further food for thought.
The scrum was dominant, particularly in the early stages.
However, there is still room for improvement.
Some of the intricate plays, particularly tip-on passes in midfield, went awry. Better teams will apply more pressure and line speed to challenge those skills.
Jess Breach scored two tries but will not want to re-watch the way she was shrugged off by Erica Jarrell-Searcy for the United States’ score.
Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, who missed this match due to a minor injury, will soon be back to challenge Breach for her place in the team.
England open World Cup with 11-try win over USA
Highlights, reaction and analysis after rampant England score 11 tries in World Cup opener
Women’s Rugby World Cup – all you need to know
There were some sloppy kick-off receptions, and Mitchell felt that his team, who were only seven points ahead until Maud Muir crossed the line after 34 minutes following Alev Kelter’s yellow card, could have been more clinical in the first half.
“We challenged them to raise the intensity in the second half, and I thought we responded well,” Mitchell said.
“We want to build pressure and be more assertive in our defense.
“All the threats that came at us were the ones we anticipated. There’s a lot we need to work on; we’ve only just begun.
“There is so much growth to come. We will improve. The tournament will become more challenging, but we have so much more to offer.”
The competition will intensify, but the crowds will not get any larger unless England advance to the final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on September 27.
Samoa at Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens will be followed by Australia at Brighton’s Amex Stadium in England’s pool campaign, before potential quarter and semi-finals at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.
Kildunne reciprocated some of the appreciation she received after the match.
“The fans certainly made a statement; you made it a truly special occasion. Thank you to everyone who came; having rugby in the north is also incredibly special,” she said.
“It’s a really positive start, and it’s only the beginning.”
That desire for improvement, to reach new heights, is ominous news for England’s rivals.
This video can not be played
‘It was the England show’ – Tui on England win
Red Roses thrash USA in World Cup opener
‘A lot more coming’ from ‘scary’ England pack
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser