The flowers are crimson, the Scots in azure, the tension is building, how will they do? The final result from a soaking wet Bristol came as little surprise. When bookmakers start quoting extremely long odds for one side to win a two‑horse race, the likelihood of England failing to the last four were roughly on a par with spectators suffering heatstroke.
Accompanying this was yet another record statistic for the squad led by Mitchell of serial winners. No top-tier rugby nation in history has previously won 31 consecutive Test matches as England’s women have now done: 61 wins in their past 62 Tests offers scant opportunity for people to doubt their pedigree or competitive edge.
But could you risk your home on England hoisting the trophy in just under a fortnight? This may depend on the exact amount of money involved and possible access to alternative financial resources. But would you? Without hesitation? Based on the evidence of this match, even with a convincing win and challenging weather, one might feel tempted to pause and reconsider.
Certainly, the return of Zoe Aldcroft is highly significant. What a totemic figure the team’s skipper has become. And as always, when England get within the goal line of their rivals with ball in hand, their supporters lick their lips. Scotland were wonderfully spirited and endlessly committed, but the laws of physics cannot be ignored when big forwards with subterranean centres of gravity are queueing up to cross the try line.
The occasionally underrated Talling earned her accolade for best on pitch, while Kelsey Clifford, replacing the sidelined Botterman, grasped her opportunity fully. Her two no-nonsense first-half tries likely thrilled all at her original team, Finchley Rugby Club, where her father introduced her to rugby at six years old. Additionally there’s the speedy sensation Abby Dow, who notched her half-century of international tries and displayed her usual dash and energy.
Fewer than ten penalties on a miserable day was a further positive. However, one must also consider the handful of tries they failed to convert due to persistent small errors, questionable decisions, and intermittent flow. Against different opponents, against opponents with a sturdier set piece, the contest could have been much closer.
The coach believed his side had been disadvantaged by disruptive tactics in the forwards, but the danger of complacency lurks around every corner. Can it be called progress, for example, for reserve squad members to be bashing away at drums from the sidelines during a game? Wouldn’t it be better to focus more closely on the game and saving all that for afterwards? Alternatively, practice more discreetly before performing again?
More pressing is whether England are hitting all the right on-field notes. This, for example, was Aitchison’s opportunity to play fly-half and demonstrate she deserves to retain the jersey for crucial matches. She is a lovely footballer and slotted the vast majority of her goals, but the team’s backs rarely connected as the management might have hoped.
A highlight came after she was moved to the wing, sprinting through the center to score a smooth second-half try. But England typically opts for the more direct Heard at center, alongside the ever-impressive Jones. Even after all the endless winning, it sometimes feels as if selection remains uncertain of the best starting lineup.
Perhaps it’s irrelevant when Ellie Kildunne is back. Their powerful forwards and extraordinary strength in depth will overwhelm every challenger and the holy grail will be secured for the first occasion in over a decade. Possibly the victors of the other semi-final between Canada and New Zealand will be overwhelmed by the home side’s relentless advance. As Scotland’s impressive captain Rachel Malcolm accurately noted, “England are the No 1 team in the world for a reason.”
However, it’s possible England’s future opponents still have a tiny sniff. When McGhie breached England’s defence in the closing stages to help set up the opportunity from which Lloyd dotted down Scotland’s consolation try, New Zealand players would certainly have lit up. Scotland found success with tactical kicks into space and pressuring the English centers to retreat.
We shall find out soon enough. What remains clear is the support for England in the stands. The venue was packed for this contest and will be again for the next round. The final will be a monumental occasion, rain or shine. Oddsmakers are unlikely to abandon the favorites at this stage.
