‘This is ideal for us’ – Red Roses to be ‘helped’ by manner of Six Nations win ahead of World Cup campaign
Red Roses head coach John Mitchell lifting the Six Nations trophy
Red Roses boss John Mitchell has claimed their nailbiting 43-42 win over France was ‘ideal’ preparation for the upcoming home World Cup.
Mitchell’s side claimed their fourth successive Grand Slam after that one-point win at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, holding off a spirited comeback from their French counterparts.
This also comes following claims the Women’s Six Nations was not competitive enough for the rampant Red Roses.
‘This is ideal for us’
Mitchell’s side raced ahead in the contest, and lead 31-14 at one point, however France clawed their way back into it and nearly came away with the spoils.
A 79th-minute try from Joanna Grisez, however, pulled France to within one point in the final stages of the game, but the Red Roses held onto claim their eighth title in nine years.
“This is ideal for us,” Red Roses boss Mitchell said after the game. “After a really good start, we could have put them away, but they got energy through the middle.”
“I thought we’d have to win the game three or four times, but we had to win it nine times!”
Heading into the game, there were growing calls that the Red Roses needed increased competition if they were to properly kick on, however the manner of the win leaves Mitchell feeling his side are now adequately prepared for the World Cup.
“These types of games do help us,” he said. “You also have to understand that the Red Roses are unique at the moment and have been for a while. Teams tend to perform against us.
“That will continue to happen, and that will help us raise our game. We have to raise our game, which is really clear.”
Mitchell’s side head into the World Cup as heavy favourites, as they did in the delayed 2021 edition in New Zealand, but the Black Ferns, Canada and the vanquished France will also be setting their sights on the title this autumn.
The Red Roses begin their campaign against Australia on Saturday 6th September.
