Questions for the past three years will be answered on Saturday. England either win the Women’s Rugby World Cup or fail again.
“If that doesn’t happen, it’s not going to define me,” manager John Mitchell’s response came when asked if he would consider second place a failure.
For a team that won 32 consecutive finals against Canada on Saturday, they see a painful, reopening old wound as they fall back to the final hurdle. England were here before – they reached the final Women’s Rugby World Cup final, but lost three points after 18 minutes after seeing the red card.
Mitchell wasn’t in charge that day, but the effect of the game still remains. Maybe it adds more pressure this weekend.
But just because this final may not define him doesn’t mean that Mitchell doesn’t care. The 61-year-old philosophy was essential to the success of Britain. In short, you can sum it up: enjoy the process and forget about the results.
It helped guide England to the biggest game of the sport. It was also the basis for his development as a coach.
See, it was his obsession with victory that he believes to be his downfall early in his career. As an All Blacks coach, Mitchell discovered how cruel it was.
New Zealand was tied up in the semi-finals from Australia’s 2003 World Cup, and Mitchell was let go after the tournament. Of course, there was a mistake along the way. Something that could change him if he was given a second chance.
People are still talking about the legendary Christian Cullen x from the team. It was a tough time for both coaches and New Zealand rugby. As a young coach, when he took the biggest job in rugby, at just 37, he says it’s his desire to prove others wrong and show that he can turn back.
It’s focused too much on the outcome.
Since 2003, Mitchell traveled the world from South Africa to the United States, taking on a variety of jobs with a variety of successes.
He returned to the English spotlight in 2018 – previously set up under Clive Woodward in 2000 – joined Eddie Jones’ coaching staff.
A brief stint in Japan followed, and he was appointed coach for the Red Roses, officially taken over in 2023. Given the women’s lack of experience in rugby, external questions were raised about lawsuits against his work. But in 30 years at the coaching arena, it wasn’t the first time Mitchell had to adapt and learn on the go.
“I didn’t want to plan, so I wanted to experience what I saw and felt,” Mitchell told ESPN the night before the tournament.
“When I first started, I was like, “What do you understand about women’s sports? What do you understand about women? What do you understand about women biologically?
“It’s funny. Over time, I’m getting more performance-related questions. But I think that’s natural when I’ve never had experience with women’s games. Some important things are the same in both male and female environments.
He has a point. It’s all important to connect with players, build trust, build communication, and spend time with players, regardless of gender.
As Mitchell says, “You never get trust? And you could lose it and you could lose it very quickly.”
“We are very difficult for ourselves.”
Coaching a side that’s as successful as Red Roses brings a unique challenge. You’re a moment away from the big upset in every match.
For all the talk of the process and journey, we should not twist that it is okay that this English side is the second best for everyone. Externally and internally, anything other than Saturday’s victory over Canada Intention It is considered a failure. England has better resources than any other country in the tournament and has been a red-hot favorite from the moment they lost the 2022 final.
“We actually love winning and are not ready to give up, so we are very careful to move away from the language that seduces you towards the risk of failure,” Mitchell said.
“We’re trying to make sure we’re shifting from that focus very quickly and focusing on opportunities to succeed. So it’s really big of a thing about chasing the solution. We’re very, very, very difficult.”
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How John Mitchell reached England’s 7th straight WRWC Final
England head coach John Mitchell explains how he won his team’s trust ahead of Rugby World Cup final vs Canada.
However, even though Mitchell had been on the calendar for three years since taking over, on September 27th he had players buy his spirit of not chasing the results and enjoying the moment. For those who were there three years ago, it would have been difficult to wake up on the day already thinking about Twickenham 2025.
“We have a new way of playing. We have a different vision and we are not driven by the outcome,” explains Mitchell.
“It’s really fun and incredible experiences. And as a result, our drivers support ME drivers. We’re a big deal about it.
There are no stones left over
Finally he pushed what it means to him to win the World Cup. Personally, Mitchell still refuses to enjoy herself.
“For me, I’m even more excited for girls to recognize their potential,” he says.
“I’m more excited about collective achievements, and I know I’ve spent a lot of time on the program, so for me, don’t turn the stones over.
But soon the story takes place.
The red rose wins. Despite his epic successes, including consecutive Six Nations grand slams and a 100% victory record, Mitchell’s tenure will be remembered by what happens on Saturday.
Enjoying the whole process, the journey and the moment, potentially even a bounce of the ball, whether it defines him and his players or not.