As the Women's Six Nations tournament progresses, a key question lingers: can anyone challenge England's dominance in world rugby? Two matches in, the Red Roses have shown remarkable resilience, unfazed by injuries and pregnancies that have ushered in a period of significant transition. Led by World Cup-winning captain Zoe Stratford, albeit from the sidelines due to pregnancy, the team has demonstrated unparalleled depth.
Despite fielding a depleted squad, England overcame initial rustiness to triumph over Ireland and then secured a record 84-7 victory over Scotland, marking their 35th consecutive Test win. Ahead of their round-three encounter against Wales, seasoned prop Sarah Bern and newcomer Demelza Short shared insights into the team's adaptability and ambition. Bern emphasized the squad's 'license to attack, thrive, and be brave,' while Short, who debuted last weekend, is still coming to terms with her rapid rise from England's U18 side to a full-fledged Red Rose.
The team's mantra, as Bern put it, is that 'rugby doesn't care what you did last week,' highlighting their focus on continuous improvement and pushing the boundaries of their performance. This mindset has enabled England to seamlessly integrate new players, with Bern noting that the team's ambition and bravery drive their pursuit of excellence. As they face Wales, the Red Roses aim to entertain, showcasing the exciting style of women's rugby and its unique selling points compared to the men's game.