John Mitchell praised England’s “ruthless” second-half performance following their dominant 49-5 win over Ireland in the Women’s Six Nations on Saturday. Despite a challenging first half where England only managed a slender 7-5 lead at the break, the team came alive after the interval, scoring six tries and extending their unbeaten run in the tournament to 32 games.
The first half had been a test of character for England. Mitchell described it as a period where his side “put themselves through the washing machine,” acknowledging the difficulties they faced against Ireland’s solid defense. England struggled to find their rhythm, and while they were unable to score until the 34th minute, they managed to hold a narrow lead at halftime. This contrast to their 38-3 advantage at the break in their 2024 meeting with Ireland highlighted the challenge they had in breaking down their opposition.
However, the Red Roses responded impressively in the second half. Mitchell noted that his players displayed excellent problem-solving skills, remaining calm and composed despite the earlier frustrations. “The girls are really good at resolving issues,” he said, emphasizing the team’s ability to regroup and execute their game plan after halftime adjustments.
England’s forward momentum was key to their turnaround. Mitchell highlighted how their intensity and pressure completely stifled Ireland’s attack in the second half. “When we get momentum, you see our intuitive skills come out. We are ruthless when we get momentum,” Mitchell explained. The team’s dominance was evident as they crushed Ireland’s lineout, and Ireland struggled to make any progress. Mitchell pointed out that the only time Ireland escaped their own half was after a kick-off. England’s relentless attack and strong defense were key factors in their commanding victory.
Among the standout moments of the match were tries from Meg Jones and Sarah Bern, which Mitchell described as “beautiful.” Their team tries exemplified the high level of skill and teamwork that England is known for, showcasing their attacking strength when in control of the game.
Looking ahead, Mitchell made it clear that England’s approach remains focused on continuous improvement. They are determined to build on their success and refine their performance as they head into the next match against Scotland in Leicester next Saturday. Mitchell revealed that the team for the Scotland game has already been named, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a consistent and high-performing squad. “We want to keep getting better, so we have to keep asking questions of ourselves, where can we get better?” he said, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and pushing the limits of their capabilities.
Mitchell also noted the importance of the team’s leadership group in maintaining focus and ensuring that all players contribute to the collective effort. He emphasized that while not everyone may play in every match, each player’s role in raising the training level and fulfilling their specific job whether as a starter, finisher, or non-playing squad member is crucial to the team’s success.
On the other hand, Ireland’s head coach, Scott Bemand, expressed frustration at how the game had slipped away from his team. He acknowledged that England had been put under pressure but credited the depth of the English squad for their resilience. “It shows the depth of the English,” Bemand said, noting that although Ireland had made progress compared to the previous year, there was still room for improvement. He reminded his players that the Six Nations was far from over, with two vital games against Wales and Scotland remaining.
