Mitchell Defends England’s Strategy Against France in World Cup Semifinals
England coach John Mitchell has expressed his indifference to criticism of his team’s playing style as they prepare for the World Cup semi-final against France at Ashton Gate this Saturday.
Mitchell and forward Hannah Botterman insist that the Red Roses will not hesitate to exploit the strength of their maul and scrum, after having dominated Scotland in the midst of heavy rain last weekend.
Of the 38 tries that England has scored in its four World Cup matches to date, 22 have been thanks to its powerful pack.
I don’t care what others think.
John Mitchell
Mitchell doesn’t apologize for the direct approach, stating: “I really don’t care what others think”, but added that his team possesses diverse tools to achieve success.
“We have shown in the last three years that we can play in any way,” Mitchell stated.John Mitchell reaffirmed England’s tactics.“If you analyze the conditions we faced last weekend, it would be quite stupid not to use that force and go for route one.”
“And if the weather continues like that, we will continue to generate pressure in that area. But we have the ability to play either way. Who knows which path we will take?”
“If conditions continue as they are, you will see that the fixed ball game continues to be a fundamental part of the way we build pressure and create dominance.”
Botterman, re-incorporated into 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 doesn’t get the “recognition we probably should have in that area” and responded with a resounding “no” when asked if the Red Roses would 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.
