ByPhil CartwrightBBC Sports journalist1 hour agoJust prior to the start of England’s Women Six Nations match against Scotland on Saturday, Red Roses Head Coach John Mitchell was asked if he thought this was the biggest test for his team’s depth since he assumed charge. “No doubt,” he responded. “But you need to adapt and respond.” “But you have to adapt and respond to it.” Emily Scarratt, Abby Dow, and Hannah Botterman have all retired. Earlier this week, the injured quartet of Natasha Hunt (Morwenna talling, Hannah Botterman, and May Campbell) were ruled out of the remainder. Tatyana Heard suffered the same fate before the tournament even began, and Alex Matthews’ shoulder injury prevented her from playing in Edinburgh. This game is a great way to get feedback, and we can only improve. This game gives us tremendous feedback and we can just keep getting better. “They dominated from the first minute to the 80th minute.” It didn’t really matter if it was their starters, their bench or players with 113 caps – everyone came in and did their job. “We’ve seen England do this in bits before, but never so polished. They were outstanding. “Maggie Alphonsi,” another member of England 2014 world champions added: “It’s an impressive display. You could say that after the way they played Ireland, they were very rusty. They left many opportunities behind. “Today, the team took advantage of every opportunity they had when they entered the opposition’s 22. “All of the forwards really stepped it up. Last weekend, you didn’t see the forwards really get into the game or win the collisions, or go forward. Today, they owned the game. This England team has a great power game. “Kildunne has 50 international tries” There were also changes in England’s back-row for the trip to Murrayfield. Zoe Harrison, who replaced Holly Aitchison at fly-half, had a fantastic day with the boot converting all twelve tries. England’s lightning-quick play was a feature, causing Scotland to have problems throughout. “Everyone around her has done well today,” she added. “Ellie’s attempts have been very well-taken, but a lot is due to the work done by others around her. Alphonsi said: “People questioned whether Kildunne was able to do it on the wings and she’s putting in a show. “Rugby Union Weekly – Ruthless Red Roses thrash Scotland ‘Mums Thank Me for Changing the Narrative’: How Motherhood in Rugby has Evolved1 day agoHow Mitchell will use Sing and Kildunne going forward is his “biggest challenges”, according to Daley McLean. The former England fly-half commented, “What we saw today was the difference between them.” “Ellie’s top end pace is similar to that of a wings and her strength. Emma is a good aerial threat, and she has a good kicking game. “Using them is probably John Mitchell’s biggest challenge. Emma would have been England’s full-back if Ellie hadn’t been there. She could also have started for other nations at the Six Nations. “She’s probably unfortunate that she’s a full-back behind someone like Ellie. But for England, it’s about how you use the players to suit what your team needs to accomplish. “On this evidence it will be difficult for any team to stop England from clinching a fifth consecutive Grand Slam and an eighth consecutive Women’s Six Nations title. Winless Wales are the next opponents in Bristol on April 25, followed by a trip in Italy (9 May), and a possible Grand Slam decider eight days later in France. [embedded text]Related topicsRugby UnionEnglish Rugby
