Roses are red, Scotland in blue, the stakes are rising, how will they do? The final result from a soaking wet Bristol came as little surprise. Once oddsmakers begin offering extremely long odds for one side to win a two‑horse race, the likelihood of England failing to the semi‑finals were roughly on a par with anyone in the stands getting sunstroke.
With it came yet another record statistic for John Mitchell’s bunch of consistent champions. No top-tier rugby nation in history had ever achieved 31 Tests in a row as England’s women have accomplished: 61 wins in their past 62 Tests offers scant opportunity for critics to question their heritage or competitive edge.
Yet would you absolutely put your mortgage on the English lifting the World Cup in just under a fortnight? This may depend on the exact amount of money involved and possible access to alternative financial resources. But would you? Instantly? Based on the performance of this match, even with the comfortable victory margin and difficult conditions, one might feel tempted to pause and reconsider.
Sure, Zoe Aldcroft’s comeback makes a big difference. She stands as an iconic leader the team’s skipper has grown into. And, as ever, when England get within five metres of the opposition in possession, fans anticipate eagerly. Scotland were wonderfully spirited and endlessly committed, but physical realities are not easily defied when powerful players with subterranean centres of gravity line up to cross the try line.
The occasionally underrated Talling earned her accolade for player of the match, while Kelsey Clifford, in for the injured Hannah Botterman, also took her starting chance fully. Her two no-nonsense first-half tries likely thrilled everyone at her first club, Finchley Rugby Club, where her father introduced her to rugby at the age of six. Additionally there’s that fleet-footed marvel Abby Dow, who notched her half-century of international tries and displayed her customary speed and vigor.
Fewer than ten penalties on a miserable day was another relative plus. However, one must also consider must also be factored they didn’t nail due to nagging little misjudgments, questionable decisions, and occasionally staccato rhythm. On other days, facing teams with stronger fundamentals, the game might have turned out appreciably tighter.
The coach believed his side had been disadvantaged by Scottish cynicism in the forwards, but overconfidence risks is ever-present. Is it really a great innovation, for example, for non-playing England players to be bashing away at drums from the sidelines mid-match? Shouldn’t they be concentrating more intently on the game and reserve such activities for post-match? Or, better still, quietly take a few more lessons before performing again?
Of more immediate urgency is if the team is striking the correct chords during play. For instance, was Holly Aitchison’s big chance to start at No 10 and demonstrate she deserves to keep the position for crucial matches. She is a lovely footballer and converted most of her goals, but England’s backline seldom clicked as coaches had intended.
A highlight came after she was moved to the wing, gliding down the 12 channel to score a smooth second-half try. Yet the team prefer to start the physically assertive Tatyana Heard at center, alongside the consistently excellent Meg Jones. Despite continuous success, it sometimes feels as if England are still not totally sure of their optimal starting XV.
Perhaps it’s irrelevant when Kildunne returns. Maybe their mighty pack and deep squad talent will wear down all-comers and the holy grail will be won for the first occasion in over a decade. Possibly the victors of Friday’s match between the Canadians and Kiwis will be overwhelmed by the home side’s relentless advance. According to the Scottish skipper Rachel Malcolm rightly said, “They are the No 1 team in the world for a reason.”
However, it’s possible England’s future opponents still have a tiny sniff. When McGhie breached England’s defence in the closing stages to create the opportunity from which Lloyd dotted down Scotland’s consolation try, the eyes of one or two Black Ferns would certainly have lit up. The Scots also had some joy with tactical kicks into space and forcing England’s midfield to turn.
Answers will come shortly. What is not in any doubt is the support for England in the stands. The venue was packed for this match and will be again for the next round. The title decider promises a monumental occasion, rain or shine. And the bookies will not be deserting England at this stage.
