Women’s Six Nations: Why ‘muted’ England’s Six Nations dominance remains a concern
Another day, another important win for England.
The Red Roses’ enthusiasm descended on Bristol, attracting a record crowd for their third consecutive game in this Six Nations and bringing with them a sea of white shirts, red cowgirl hats and rose petal hats. And most importantly, he tries.
England, who beat Scotland 12 times at Murrayfield last week, scored a further 10 tries in the 62-24 win against Wales; This result ensured John Mitchell’s place in the side with maximum points from three matches.
They remain on course for a record eighth consecutive Women’s Six Nations Championship title, having clinched their fifth consecutive Triple Crown.
Impressive statistics. But scrum coach Emily Scarratt told BBC Two it was a bit “quiet” in the dressing room after the game.
Yes, England won comfortably and never lost control, extending their record unbeaten run to 36 Tests, but it wasn’t the rapid-fire development many expected with Wales “surprising” them, as Mitchell put it.
The visitors scored four tries to claim a valuable bonus point – including two in the final 10 minutes when England’s concentration faltered – and twice profited after surprising England with a breakout routine.
England were at times guilty of poor discipline (giving away nine penalties) and sloppy officiating. Improvements will need to be made when they face title rivals France in the fifth round.
“When you play a team like Wales you’re always in a Test match,” Scarratt said. “I thought they really brought that out today and posed some different challenges for us, which is pretty great for our development.”
“We still did a pretty good job. There’s a quiet feeling in the group and when you give a point like that it’s a really good feeling.”
But although Wales fired a few warning shots, it was another routine win for England and did little to allay concerns that the Six Nations were too predictable and their dominance would not benefit them and the game.
