In front of 28,000 fans, the Red Roses ran in six tries from Maud Muir, Alex Matthews (2), Meg Jones, Marlie Packer and Amy Cokayne, with flyhalf Holly Aitchison perfect off the tee to extend their championship-winning record to 29 games.
Head coach John Mitchell, who joined the group halfway through their WXV1 triumph in New Zealand last autumn, hailed his side’s groundbreaking achievements. “The girls are highly driven and they deserved this,” said Mitchell. “What an atmosphere. We have been speaking all competition about an arm wrestle and we certainly got that.
“The French girls came at us, but we didn’t execute as well in the 22 during the second half. There is a belief and confidence around what we are doing and that comes from the environment we are creating. A lot of the girls are challenged. The standard is tough, but the girls have done an amazing job.”
England are less than 18 months away from a home World Cup where they’ll hope to avenge their 2022 final loss to New Zealand which was their last defeat, but Mitchell isn’t looking ahead, opting instead to focus on the present.
On the World Cup next year, he said: “One step at a time. We set off at the start of 2024 to stay the best. We threw a lot into this game physically and mentally, so it looked a bit flat towards the end.”
England winger Jess Breach added: “Le Crunch is what everyone wants to play in, especially with this hostile crowd. Where we are now is just phenomenal.”
Denne historien er fra April 28, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 28, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
