England’s latest Six Nations grand slam is worthy of glowing appreciation, not least because consistent excellence deserves due recognition. The 15-point margin over France in the final match might not suggest a full-blooded contest, but the hosts more than fulfilled their part of the bargain, pinning England back for lengthy periods.
This was anything but a serene cruise to glory. France fought back to 29-21 with 20 minutes left, but England’s defensive solidity held firm. The crucial next score came from Jess Breach, who collected her second try wide on the right to snuff out the hosts’ momentum. Head coach John Mitchell praised his side’s “courageous skill set” after the match.
England also have the benefit of the match-winner Ellie Kildunne, who twice accelerated away in the first half, her long-limbed stride leaving everyone trailing. Her well-timed pass put Breach clear, proof she can create as well as finish. This was England’s 38th straight win and their 99th victory in their past 103 matches since 2016.
Some may question whether such dominance is healthy for the women’s game, but Mitchell argued it is not England’s fault they have the resources, depth, and ruthlessness to keep winning. He compared it to Pete Sampras’s era in tennis, where the American was all but unbeatable on grass for years. Meanwhile, women’s rugby is growing, with Scotland, Ireland, and Italy setting attendance records this season.
Mitchell described this as “by far the hardest” Six Nations triumph he has been involved in, while captain Meg Jones said the team faced “so much adversity” and fronted up. Only six starters remained from the World Cup final win over Canada. Flanker Sadia Kabeya had mild embarrassment after swearing on live television, but it did little to dampen England’s pride.
