If a team’s scoring rate ticks above a point per minute, it’s understandable that any headlines written focus on such prowess. In 1995, New Zealand’s men stuck 145 points on Japan. In 2003, the Wallabies stuffed Namibia 142-0 and in that same year, England’s men beat Uruguay 111-13. In almost every case, the ‘minnow’ was just that – a weaker, less structured team that was starved of regular test match experience.
Last Saturday, England’s Red Roses demolished Ireland 88-10 by scoring 14 tries at Twickenham but their opponents were no minnows. Sure, this is an Ireland team in a transitional period but they might yet finish third in the Guinness Women’s 6 Nations table and they won all three of their WXV3 tests last autumn.
In Round Four, England were almost perfect. In their best performance under John Mitchell, the Red Roses were calculating, incisive, relentless, unforgiving, accurate and not to mention quick too. It was as if they were seeing the game in slow motion. They have now averaged 57 points across this year’s Championship and head into a Grand Slam decider against the last team to beat them in the competition – France.
In light of England’s win, the spotlight is now shining on the other nations. Are they staying in touch? Is the gap widening? What is the real value of their investment and their player contracts? It’s a spotlight that is spilling into Marcoussis too, as the French are in real danger of finding themselves slipping in with the also-rans. They need to find a way to not just keep up with England, but to beat them.
What must France do to overcome the Red Roses juggernaut?
Les Bleues, under the combined coaching ticket of Mignot and Ortiz, started their campaign slowly. They have averaged a mere 33 points per match, scoring half the number of tries that England have managed. Those close to this French team speak of a transitional period, an aim to move away from Annick Hayraud’s traditional style towards an ambition to exhibit greater typical French flair and creativity.
We have seen it in glimpses against Italy and Wales but this Saturday is all about a one-off test match. So, what must France do to overcome the Red Roses juggernaut in Bordeaux? We asked around…
GRAHAM SMITH
Having masterminded England’s Rugby World Cup win in 2014, Smithy is now consulting technical director to Estonia Rugby.
1. France’s forwards cannot afford to just match England, they have to beat them at scrum, lineout and ruck, with a particular focus on slowing down the speed of ball.
2. I would play a blitz defence to try and stop the ball to the back three. England fly-half Holly Aitchison is a good player but she’s too often given an armchair ride. Under pressure, she may be a weak link.
3. Control territory and possession and take the points. Wales had 68% possession against France but they couldn’t score. Make England run the ball out from deep or for them to kick out. If you let England play from halfway then you are in trouble.
LENAIG CORSON
Having won 30 caps for France, Lenaig now commentates for French radio, works with Rugbygirl Academie and is a keen environmentalist.
1. First up, France need to bring a huge defence. They must stay connected between them and be wary of England’s speedy back three.
2. They must play more through their backs, keep moving the ball and playing after contact.
3. England are clinical and very impressive with their catch/pass. France need to level up in this area and avoid any handling errors.
4. The France line out has to be more efficient, most importantly in the gold zone.
ALI DONNELLY
Founder and author of ScrumQueens website and book, CEO More Than Equal.
1. Punish ill discipline. England have conceded the most penalties in the competition as they pursue this “playing on the edge” style, yet no team has managed to punish this on the scoreboard.
2. Be on red alert after half-time as England are lethal after the break. England have scored more than double the points in this period than any other team.
3. Slow them down. The speed of ruck is a vital tool to success in rugby and England’s is the fastest. Italy targeted this area well in the opener but it takes stamina to battle in rucks and be present in a defensive line.
MARIE SEMPÉRÉ BOURRET
Former French international XVs and 7s player and current co-commentator on France 2 television.
1. Be extremely precise with your kicking game: you don’t want to give easy balls to Ellie Kildunne or Abby Dow.
2. Rely on your main strength which is powerful, dynamic, quick and agile forwards who have the ability to keep the ball alive by offloading and breaking through the defence.
3. Discipline – especially inside the French 40m. England won’t kick penalties, especially with a 50% success rate off the tee, so you don’t want to give them the opportunity of driving mauls from a 5m line out.
TAMARA TAYLOR
World Cup winning ex-England captain, fourth most capped player (115) and in the last Red Roses team to lose to France in 2018.
1. France must keep ball in hand in the midfield and force England to defend- rather than kicking, unless it’s to an edge to pressure England’s lineout.
2. Move the ball wider to attack. France must challenge the outside backs 1-on-1 rather than running at organised defenders in the centre of the pitch allowing England to double tackle.
3. Slow down England’s attacking ball speed by either chop tackle to jackle or by holding up the ball carrier. Pressure 9 and 10 as they’re key to the speed and width of the England attack.
NICK HEATH
Women’s 6 Nations world feed commentator, journalist and founder of Level.
1. Kick the points. Running rugby is great but England’s discipline is their achilles’ heel. If a kicker can slot 3 points each from 40m, France could take the scoreboard away and ask serious questions.
2. Prepare to get ugly. France have the weapons to be physical and disruptive. They should be unrelenting in legally hitting anything that moves – a challenge few others have posed.
3. Flood into England’s backline. It’s high risk but England haven’t been forced to seek many attacking alternatives due to having all the time and space to play deep and execute.
