Resolve of Red Roses in Six Nations glory should not be overlooked | Robert Kitson

"A 15-point margin might not instantly suggest a full-blooded contest but France more than fulfilled their part of the bargain. The nagging concern within women's rugby is that the Red Roses are not being sufficiently challenged. On this occasion no one could level that accusation at the determined hosts who had England's golden girls pinned back for lengthy periods. Which, strange to relate, made England's eighth successive Six Nations crown all the more admirable."

"This was anything but a serene cruise to yet more tournament glory, particularly in the first and third quarters as France pounded away at the visiting line. Until now it has not been a Six Nations campaign notable for English defensive solidity but they properly had to dig in now. Even when the spirited French fought their way back to 29-21 with 20 minutes left they could find no way through."

"Instead the crucial next score came from Jess Breach, who collected her second try wide on the right to snuff out the hosts' gathering momentum. When the head coach, John Mitchell, talked beforehand about pulling the trigger and being courageous with our skill set the purposeful midfield running and precise interplay was exactly what he was seeking."

"And England, it almost goes without saying, also have the benefit of the lurking matchwinner that is Ellie Kildunne. Twice in the first half the full-back accelerated away, her long-limbed stride leaving everyone else trailing. It was also her well-timed pass that put Breach clear, proof their shooting star can create as well as finish."

England secured an eighth successive Six Nations crown with a grand slam that required more than routine dominance. France provided real resistance, repeatedly pressuring the visiting line and forcing England to defend with greater solidity than in previous campaigns. England faced a late fightback, with France reducing the deficit to 29-21 with 20 minutes remaining, but England prevented any breakthrough. Jess Breach delivered a crucial next try, finishing wide on the right to stop England’s momentum from building further. The team’s midfield running and precise interplay matched the head coach’s call for courage and decisive execution. Ellie Kildunne repeatedly created and finished chances, accelerating away in the first half and providing a pass that set Breach clear.

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