England coach John Mitchell has expressed his indifference to opinions on his team’s playing style as they prepare for the World Cup semi-final against France at Ashton Gate.
Mitchell and forward Hannah Botterman insist the Red Roses won’t hesitate to use the strength of their maul and scrum after crushing Scotland in torrential rain 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 don’t really care what others think”, but added that his team possesses a variety of tools to achieve the goal.
We have shown in the last three years that we can play in any particular way.
John Mitchell
Mitchell also commented on the weather conditions of last weekend, stating that it would be “pretty stupid” not to use that strength and opt for route one. Furthermore, he added that if the weather continues that way, they will continue to build pressure in that area, but they also have the ability to play in any way.
Botterman, who returns to the front 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 believes that 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.
“Everyone understands how important the set-piece is. If we do our job in the scrum, line-out, maul, then the backs understand that gives them the best platform to play,” said Botterman.
Botterman is one of four changes to the team that defeated Scotland 40-8, with fullback Ellie Kildunne, fly-half Zoe Harrison and lock Abbie Ward also starting.
