England women’s head coach John Mitchell described the Red Roses’ 87‑4 triumph over Scotland in the second round of the Women’s Six Nations as a "special" performance, especially given the string of setbacks that preceded the Murrayfield encounter. The match, which saw England rack up an astonishing 13 tries, became a showcase of depth, resilience and the squad’s ability to adapt under pressure.
The week leading up to the game was far from smooth. England’s opening win against Ireland had exposed some rust, particularly in the second half, prompting questions about the team’s capacity to defend their title. Injuries then compounded the concerns: veteran lock Alex Matthews was ruled out with a shoulder problem, joining a growing list that already included prop Hannah Botterman, lock Morwenna Talling, centre Natasha Hunt, flanker May Campbell and back-rower Tatyana Heard, all of whom were forced to miss the entire tournament. Adding to the roster challenges, four players – Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin‑Davies – were unavailable due to pregnancy.
These absences forced Mitchell to make five changes to the starting XV, most notably moving prolific centre Ellie Kildunne out to the wing. Before kick‑off, Mitchell warned that Scotland represented the toughest test his side had faced so far, but he also framed the match as an opportunity for every player to demonstrate why they earned the Red Rose badge. The players answered that call in emphatic fashion. England exploded out of the gates, crossing the try line five times in the first half.
The onslaught continued after the break, with another seven tries added to the tally. Newcomers Mia Venner and Haineala Lutui, on their third and second test appearances respectively, capped the scoring, highlighting the depth of talent emerging within the squad. The forwards contributed heavily, with Sarah Bern and Marlie Packer both finding the line, while the back‑line’s younger members displayed the skill and composure that suggest a bright future for English women’s rugby.
Mitchell used the match to illustrate the "courage" his side has shown in navigating a season riddled with moving parts. He praised the coaching staff and support personnel for their ability to keep the team focused despite the loss of key senior players. "It’s been a lot of moving parts over the last few weeks, with some of the players that are hugely valued in the team having serious injuries and the youngsters as well," Mitchell told BBC Sport.
"I am fortunate to have a staff and a coaching group that have done a tremendous job." He went on to emphasize the new style of football the Red Roses are embracing, noting that the players appear to be enjoying the fresh approach. "I think it is the courage that we are showing to a new style of football and I think it is great and they seem to be enjoying it. I am really proud of them today," he added. One standout performance came from back‑rower Maddie Feaunati, a young player who thrives when given the freedom to play her "authentic" game.
Mitchell lauded her contribution, saying, "She is a special girl and we are very fortunate to have such brilliant back‑rowers. We train very hard and above the game demand, in a high‑performance mindset.
We are a very fit team and when we understand our game and have clarity they are able to be themselves. We are an authentic team which is what makes us special." While England celebrated the depth that allowed them to rotate players without a dip in performance, Scotland’s experience was a stark contrast. Former Scotland international and Harlequins No 8 Jade Konkel lamented the Scots’ lack of depth, pointing to the numerous positional mismatches that plagued the team. "Scotland will be disappointed of course with that.
Also, they can't use that as an excuse. They were not good enough today," Konkel said. She highlighted the statistical evidence: missed tackles, poor gain‑line success and a high turnover count underscored Scotland’s struggles. Konkel noted the improvisations forced upon the Scottish side: a hooker was deployed as a flanker, a scrum‑half was shifted to the wing, and a full‑back was placed in the centre.
These makeshift solutions, while testament to the players’ adaptability, ultimately left gaps that England exploited, especially in the final twenty minutes when the tries began to pile up. In sum, the 87‑4 result not only reinforced England’s status as world champions but also served as a vivid illustration of why squad depth matters in modern international rugby. Mitchell’s message was clear: despite injuries, absences and the inevitable turbulence of a demanding season, the Red Roses have the talent, the mindset and the unity to dominate when it matters most. The performance will be remembered as a benchmark for future squads and a reminder that when a team can blend experience with youthful exuberance, the outcome can be nothing short of spectacular.