The Red Rose narrowly won France 43-42 at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, winning seven consecutive Six Nations titles, and John Mitchell said the fear was “ideal” for his English side ahead of the Rugby World Cup later this year.
England has had an incredible 25 unbeaten run, securing France’s fourth grand slam in a row with a one-point victory. Visitors closed them down and raised the nail biting finish thanks to Joanna Grises’ late try, but Britain scored a victory.
The Red Roses scored seven tries overall with Abby Dow (2), Emasin (2), Lark Atkin Davies, Claudia McDonald and Captain Zoe Alcroft, but Mitchell was disappointed with the defense.
“It was ideal for us,” Mitchell said after the game. “After a really good start, we could have put them away, but they got energy from the middle of us and when the French side got that energy, they turned their eyes. So we talked about the fact that we probably had to win the game three or four times.
“I wasn’t happy with the defense. I thought they easily got through us along the way. We adjusted it at halftime, but the edge of the defense wasn’t up to standard.”
Redborough is the dominant team in the sport and is a clear favourite for winning the World Cup at the home lira later this year.
Mitchell said his team must learn to deal with teams raising the game for the challenge of facing competitive favourites, and England must find a way to raise the game for such tasks.
“The Red Roses were a unique team at the moment and it’s been for a while, but the team is allowed to oppose this. That’s what’s going to happen in 25 years. So it’s going to help raise the game. You need to raise the game.
Singh has been successful in Ellie Kildinne’s absence at fullback, and Mitchell hopes that his experience playing in front of a massive crowd at Twickenham will put his group on track for us ahead of the World Cup later this year.
“I think she got off to a really good start to the game, but she admitted this to herself – you have to get into the game.
“In this morning’s coaching meeting, 95% of the girls who are likely to go to the World Cup after today had played in the stadium, and before this game, that wouldn’t have been the case.
Aldcroft added: “We obviously learned a lot of stuff from that game. I think it’s really clear in messaging and just giving the team the next job to really chase. The French team is credited.