England head coach John Mitchell believes that the nail biting victory to perfect the glory of the Grand Slam is an ideal test ahead of the World Cup glory bid on the home soil later this year.
The Red Rose claimed their seventh consecutive Guinness Women’s Six Nations title and historic fourth consecutive Grand Slam victory by beating France 43-42 at Allianz Stadium.
England scored five tries in the opening 23 minutes to score a 24-point advantage, but slipped their managerial advantage in the second half, resulting in a shock victory after two late tries, where France scored their 55th victory in 56 Tests.
Image: England ran in seven attempts during a narrow victory over France
“This is ideal for us,” Mitchell said. “After a really good start, we could have cleaned up them, but they got energy from the middle, and that’s the French side. Once they get in you, they feel successful.
“I thought I had to win three or four games, but I think I had to win nine times, I did enough to complete the goal.
“These types of games help us. We get them from time to time. But you also need to realize that for now, the red roses are unique and have been doing it for a while. Teams tend to play against us.
Image: England has been undefeated in the Women’s Six Nations since 2018
“It continues to happen in 2025 and it helps us raise the game. And we have to raise the game. That’s really clear.”
England only admitted five tries in the opening four matches of the Six Nations campaign, but produced six against France.
“I wasn’t happy with the defense,” Mitchell added. “They got through us too easily.
“We adjusted at halftime, but the girls did a good job in the area late on, but Edge’s defense wasn’t the standard for red roses.”
Image: France threatened their first away victory over England since 2015
England became the first World Cup favorite since 2014, finishing runner-up in five of the last six editions and won all Tests with the Women’s Six Nations since 2018.
Mitchell regularly spins the XV during the campaign, changing his best collision with France nine times.
“From today onwards, 95% of girls who are more likely to go to the World Cup have experience at Allianz Stadium before this game.
“That is a situation we planned and to make sure the wider group has gained experience here.
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“We were very mature in the area, and if you weren’t practicing entering the Home World Cup, when that reality happens, you’re not ready for it.
What’s next?
The UK was drawn to Australia, the US and Samoa for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the second time for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, held in the soil of their homes.
Red Roses ‘Women’s Six Nations 2025 Results
Sunday March 23rd Red Rose 38-5 Italy Saturday March 29th 12-67 Red Rose Saturday April 12th 5-49 Red Rose Saturday April 19th 59-7 Scotland Saturday April 26th
The Red Rose will face America at Light of Light in Sunderland in the opening game on August 22nd, with the remaining two pool matches being held at Amex Stadium in Franklin Garden, Northampton and Brighton.
Australia’s UK & Ireland Lions Tour with Sky Sports
Image: Watch the live lion tour at Sky Sports in 2025
Sky Sports will only showcase the 2025 UK and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia, with all three tests against the Wallabies and six warm-up matches showing live only.
Lions 2025 Tour Schedule for the UK and Ireland
Date opponent venue Friday, June 20th Argentina Dublin Dublin Saturday, June 28th, Western Force Perth, Wednesday, July 2nd, Queensland Reds Saturday, July 5th, NSW Waratus Sydney Saturday, July 9th, Wednesday, Saturday, Melbourne Saturday, August 2nd, Australia (3rd test) Sydney
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