Grand Slam winners England keep ‘building’ in bid ‘to stay the best’

This was the Red Roses’ third Grand Slam in a row, but the growing influence of Mitchell on England’s attack has been evident throughout this tournament.

The New Zealander is looking to move the team away from their more forward-oriented style under Simon Middleton, who led the side to Grand Slams in 2022 and 2023 and the World Cup final, and towards a more balanced approach.

The Red Roses scored 14 tries against Ireland last weekend, with full-back Ellie Kildunne and winger Abby Dow both completing hat-tricks as Mitchell’s desire to unleash his talented backs clicked in ruthless style.

However, at a packed Stade Chaban-Delmas centre Megan Jones was the only back to touch down as the forwards not only fronted up to a massive French pack but grabbed five out of the visitors’ six tries.

“When I interviewed for the job the diagnosis was that as good as we were, there was a divorce between the forward pack and backs – and I think we have merged them quite nicely,” Mitchell told BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly.

“I have challenged the players in the way they think about the game and they are growing in that space as well. I think it is a good environment.”

On the environment, captain Marlie Packer told BBC One: “We have been building as a group on and off the pitch.

“We are well and truly into a John Mitchell era – we will keep growing as a group.”