Mitchell encouraged by resilient Red Roses

24 Mar 2024 | 3 min |

Mitchell encouraged by resilient Red Roses

John Mitchell says he is encouraged by the way his team responded to adversity in their 0-48 victory over Italy.

England scored eight tries through Hannah Botterman, Abbie Ward, Marlie Packer, Helena Rowland, Mackenzie Carson, Connie Powell and an Ellie Kildunne brace despite being forced to field 14 players for the majority of the encounter.

Sarah Beckett was shown a yellow card, which was later upgraded to a red, for an illegal challenge on Italy's Michela Sillari in the opening ten minutes.

"We responded really calmly," said Mitchell. "It's testament to this team that they are able to play with 14, eventually 13, players."

"We were specific at half time and the leaders were clear. We were building pressure coming up to half time, and at the end of the day the girls responded to a difficult situation and got out of it really calmly."

PARMA, ITALY - MARCH 24: Hannah Botterman of England scores her team's first try during the Guinness Women's Six Nations 2024 match between Italy and England at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on March 24, 2024 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Botterman's try on the half-hour mark was the opening score of the afternoon before her Bristol teammate Ward followed shortly before half time. Carrying a narrow 0-10 lead into the break, England came out firing in the second half and piled the pressure onto their Italian opponents.

"I thought the girls did a great job: their double hits, the way they slowed the ball down, the way they countered and dealt with the edges when they were down on numbers were great areas for us."

It was a momentous day for England captain Packer, who led her team out on the occasion of her 100th international appearance.

"I'm super proud of all the girls today, I think we showed real courage. There is a lot to work on, but we're in a good place and playing with smiles on our faces.

"It's a super special day. I couldn't have done it without my family and all the people who have supported me along my journey. I'm really thankful to them, it's been an amazing day and the girls have made it super special for me."