John Mitchell Ignores Criticism and Focuses on the Semi-Final against France
England coach John Mitchell has expressed indifference to opinions about his team’s playing style as they prepare for Saturday’s World Cup semi-final against France at Ashton Gate.
Mitchell and prop Hannah Botterman insist the Red Roses won’t hesitate to exploit the strength of their maul and scrum after crushing Scotland in torrential 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 unstoppable 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 a variety of tools to achieve success.
“We have shown in the last three years that we can play in any way,” Mitchell said.“If you look at the conditions we were exposed to last weekend, it would be pretty stupid not to use that force and go for route one.
“And 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? If conditions continue as they are, you will see that the ball game will continue 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 believes that scrum isn’t given the “recognition we probably should in that area” and answered without hesitation “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, the line-out, the maul, then the backs understand that gives them the best platform to play,” Botterman said.
“If we get a penalty advantage in the scrum, the backs can do whatever they want with it, probably drop the ball.”
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.
