With two games into the Women's Six Nations, England's Red Roses have shown no signs of slowing down, despite a decade of transition and numerous injuries. Led by World Cup-winning captain Zoe Stratford, the team has demonstrated its strength in depth, overcoming challenges and securing a record 84-7 victory over Scotland. The team's ability to adapt and evolve has been key to their success, with players like 28-year-old prop Sarah Bern and 19-year-old back-row Demelza Short stepping up to fill the gaps.
Bern emphasized the importance of having high standards, saying, 'No matter if you're a youngster coming through or you've been around the block a few times as a Red Rose, you have incredibly high standards.' The Red Roses' approach to the game is centered around continuous improvement, with a focus on developing their skills and pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve. As Bern noted, 'Rugby doesn't care what you did last week. It doesn't care if you won a World Cup.
It's how you show up on the day.' With a mix of experienced players and newcomers, the team is driven by a desire to be the best and to showcase the exciting and entertaining nature of women's rugby. As Short, who made her Test debut last weekend, said, 'I don't think I'll ever actually really take in what's happened.
I don't think I think it's real yet. It's crazy. It's been a whirlwind for me.' The Red Roses' next challenge is a match against Wales at Ashton Gate in Bristol, where they will look to continue their winning streak and demonstrate their strength and depth as a team.