England Women's 84-7 Triumph Over Scotland Showcases Depth and Resilience
England women’s head coach John Mitchell praised his team’s 84-7 victory over Scotland in the second round of the Women’s Six Nations, calling it 'special' after a challenging week leading up to the match at Murrayfield. Following a rusty performance in their opener against Ireland, England faced further adversity with key injuries. Notably, Alex Matthews was ruled out with a shoulder injury, joining teammates Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, and Tatyana Heard on the sidelines for the tournament. Additionally, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, and Lark Atkin-Davies were missing due to pregnancy, prompting five changes to the starting lineup. Before the match, Mitchell highlighted the challenge as the toughest his side had faced, yet an opportunity for every player to prove their worth. They responded emphatically, scoring 12 tries with Mia Venner and Haineala Lutui among the scorers in their third and second Test appearances, respectively. Mitchell acknowledged the match as a demonstration of courage and adaptability amidst adversity, stating, "That was a special performance... I am really proud of them today." He also commended Maddie Feaunati, a standout back-rower, for thriving in a team that promotes authenticity. Conversely, Scotland struggled with depth, as noted by former international Jade Konkel. She remarked on their disappointing performance, emphasizing the need to improve if they wish to compete with top teams. Scotland’s lineup adjustments highlighted their depth issues, ultimately leading to their heavy defeat.
Source: Sky Sports - 2026-04-18