England coach John Mitchell has expressed his indifference to opinions about his team’s style of play. The English team is preparing for the World Cup semi-final against France at Ashton Gate.
Mitchell and forward Hannah Botterman insist that the Red Roses will not hesitate to exploit the strength of their maul and scrum, following their resounding victory over Scotland last weekend.
Of the 38 tries England has scored in their four World Cup matches to date, 22 have been the product of their unstoppable pack.
Mitchell doesn’t apologize for the direct approach, stating “I really don’t care what others think”, but affirmed that his team possesses a variety of tools to achieve success.
We have shown in the last three years that we can play in any way.
John Mitchell
Mitchell explained that, given the weather conditions of last weekend, it would be “stupid” not to use that strength and opt for a direct game. “If the weather continues like this, we will continue to exert pressure in that area. But we have the ability to play in any way. Who knows which path we will take?”, he added.
Botterman, who returns to the first line after recovering from a back spasm, will be a key piece for England in their attempt to take control against their Six Nations rivals.
The 26-year-old forward believes that the scrum does not receive “the recognition it probably should in that area” and responded with a resounding “no” when asked if the Red Roses will deviate from their strengths.
Botterman is one of four changes to the team that beat Scotland 40-8, with full-back Ellie Kildunne, fly-half Zoe Harrison and second row Abbie Ward also starting.
Botterman stated that “Everyone understands how important set plays are. If we do our job in the scrum, the line-out, the maul, then the backs understand that gives them the best platform to play from”.
