John Mitchell: 'We're still an unfinished rugby team in many ways'

England head coach John Mitchell claimed his Red Roses team are an “unfinished” product after their 84-7 win over Scotland at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

As statements go it is a big one. Today England won their 35th game in a row [an ongoing world record]. They are world champions. Infallible even at their very worst.

Saturday lunchtime, in a Round 2 Guinness Women’s Six Nations clash, was a perfect example of why. In 80 minutes England scored 12 tries and conceded just one. Ellie Kildunne, playing on the wing, dotted down twice. As did Sarah Bern from the replacements. Zoe Harrison bagged all 12 of her conversions.

It was the most comprehensive outing the Red Roses have had since their demolition job of Samoa at the Women’s Rugby World Cup [92-3].

When asked if a loss of such gigantic proportions could lead to complacency from the coaching staff or in his team’s performance, Mitchell said that he felt much the opposite.

“If you know me pretty well, probably unlikely that I’ll ever get complacent,” Mitchell pondered. “I’m probably at my worst when we win because I drive to raise the floor even more.

“We’re clearly very fortunate to have great depth and our depth is extremely tested. We’re allowing new players to play for the Red Roses, which is building for the now and for the future.

“I’ll continue to challenge an and how we have to respond to whatever situation we’re in, and we won’t give up on the style of football that we are evolving.

“We’re nowhere near where we need to be. We’re still an unfinished rugby team in many ways. We’ll just keep going.”

Compared to last week the Red Roses can feel more accomplished. In many ways Mitchell’s team stuttered to their 33-12 win over Ireland at Allianz Stadium as two serious injuries halted momentum.

And what a difference a week makes. England sizzled and fizzled on their way to a dozen tries against a Scotland team unable to match the adrenaline levels in the stadium or the fireworks that preceded kick-off.

“I thought it was actually a very good performance [last week], but there was obviously injuries to players that we highly value and we’re a very emotional group and highly connected,” Mitchell said.

“When you lose a teammate through a major injury it can have an effect. But also we definitely look to improve on performance. We’re expected to learn. We’ve got to learn quickly. I think that is what is so great about the girls; they learn quickly.

“I think you saw an example today, we were just a little bit more courageous and in the moment that’s the goal for us.”