John Mitchell Defends England’s Strategy for the Rugby World Cup Semi-Final
England coach John Mitchell has expressed his indifference to criticism of his team’s playing style as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup semi-final against France at Ashton Gate. Mitchell and forward Hannah Botterman insist that the “Red Roses” will not hesitate to take advantage of the strength of their maul and scrum after their resounding victory over Scotland last weekend in torrential rain. Of the 38 tries that England has scored in its four World Cup matches to date, 22 have been the product of their unstoppable forward pack. Mitchell doesn’t apologize for the direct approach, stating “I really don’t care what others think”, but added that his team possesses a variety of tools to achieve success.If the weather conditions continue like that, they will keep building pressure in that area. But we have the ability to play either way. Who knows which path we will take? 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 doesn’t get the “recognition it probably should have 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.We have shown in the last three years that we can play in any way. If you analyze the conditions to which we were exposed last weekend, it would be very stupid on our part not to use that strength and go for route one.
John Mitchell
