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‘We got it done’ – England head coach Mitchell reflects on tense Grand Slam triumph
With the clock in the red, France needed a late score to claim the Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
That was certainly not how the script was meant to unfold.
England had breezed past the competition en route to the Grand Slam decider, crossing for 33 tries in four convincing victories.
France arrived after a close contest in Parma, rallying from a half-time deficit against Italy with a strong second-half showing.
Consensus held that the Red Roses were poised for a fourth consecutive Grand Slam.
A dramatic 43-42 victory sealed their fourth straight triumph and secured a seventh successive Six Nations title.
It may not have delivered the flawless, “complete performance” coach John Mitchell sought from his squad.
By 25 minutes, Mitchell’s side led 31-7, yet their early supremacy faded as France outscored them 21-12 after the break, with a remarkable six tries shared over the full 80 minutes.
Nevertheless, Mitchell welcomed the stern challenge ahead of a home Rugby World Cup that begins in August.
“I’d rather receive this type of feedback any day,” Mitchell told BBC Sport.
“We finished the job and achieved something unprecedented in the modern era: four consecutive Grand Slams. Now it’s time to celebrate and prepare for the World Cup.
France thrive on their successes, but I expected we’d need to win the match several times over.”
England’s last Six Nations loss came against France in 2018; their most recent defeat in any fixture was the 2022 World Cup final against New Zealand.
The Red Roses now ride a 25-match winning streak and have sights set on surpassing their record 30-Test run, which ended in that same World Cup final.
It’s a sequence Mitchell is determined to avoid repeating.
“Tight games like these are vital—we do experience them from time to time,” Mitchell remarked.
“This Red Roses team is unique, but our opponents always raise their game to face us.
That will continue into 2025—we’ll need to keep improving, that much is evident.”
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England celebrate with Women’s Six Nations trophy
In addition to clinching a seventh straight crown, Mitchell made clear his main aim was to develop “two teams” ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Utilising 34 players, including handing full-back Emma Sing a start in the Grand Slam decider while managing Ellie Kildunne’s hamstring, Mitchell has successfully broadened his squad.
Changing line-ups can impact cohesion, and though it has sometimes hindered a full 80-minute display, the result is exceptional squad depth.
Competition for selection is fiercer than ever, as seen in 2014 World Cup winners Marlie Packer and Emily Scarratt both absent from the matchday group at Allianz Stadium.
“You can’t play eight World Cup matches with the same lineup,” said the New Zealand-born coach.
“Our depth means we don’t have to. We set roles early; some players may feature just once at the World Cup and that’s my responsibility. It’s an area we’ve advanced tremendously in and we’re now well prepared for future challenges.”
Should England and France top their respective pools and prevail in the quarter-finals, they would meet again in the World Cup semi-finals in Bristol.
Former England flanker and 2014 World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi echoed Mitchell’s thoughts, suggesting a stern test against France may prove beneficial for England come the tournament.
“The Six Nations needed that jeopardy,” Alphonsi told BBC Sport. “It was a true Test match and England should be immensely proud of their resilience and determination to secure the win.
“They were forced to dig deep, and such trials are essential before the World Cup.”
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England withstand France’s late surge to claim Grand Slam by the narrowest of margins
The Red Roses fell to the Black Ferns in the last two World Cup finals, and the current tournament draw could see New Zealand again block their path in the closing stages.
Since their 2022 loss to New Zealand, Mitchell’s team have beaten the holders three times, bolstering their status as favourites for the title.
Canada, ranked second globally, have also made significant strides and pushed England in their WXV1 encounter last October, despite eventual defeat.
With the international field strengthening, the ability to prevail under pressure should serve Mitchell’s side well as major tournaments approach.
“Would England have survived that kind of match against New Zealand?” questioned former England hooker Brian Moore, speaking to BBC Sport.
“That is the question they must consider. But in the end, it’s about winning—and England got the job done.”
Captain Zoe Aldcroft had an early experience of lifting silverware at the same ground that will host this year’s World Cup final.
Although she almost lost grip, she and her team ultimately held firm. Should England return for the final at Twickenham in September, the captain and squad will be prepared for any challenge ahead.
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Oops! Six Nations trophy falls apart again
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