Women's Six Nations 2024: England aim to fill Twickenham with exciting style of play

Will England be able to fill Twickenham for next year's home Women's Rugby World Cup?

Packing more than 80,000 people into Twickenham was one of England's aims when they bid to host the tournament.

It may have seemed like a distant dream just a few years ago, but Saturday's emphatic 14-try victory over Ireland in front of 48,778 spectators, the second-largest crowd in women's rugby, was , a reminder of how far Ireland has come.

The crowd may have been 10,000 fewer than the record 58,498 they set against France last year, but it was a Grand Slam deciding match against their arch-rivals.

The challenge now is to begin efforts to fill the top seats of the famous stadium.

Achieving that goal starts with the product on the pitch. And since John Mitchell took over as head coach last autumn, the New Zealander has transformed what was already a winning machine into one that entertains. A staggering 38 tries in just four games shows the plan is working.

The Red Roses played with a carefree spirit against Ireland, with winger Abbey Dow and full-back Ellie Kildon each scoring hat-tricks in the sunshine.

From the moment Dow scored his first try, it was a rugby feast for players and fans alike, with England's backs linking up well and showing some entertaining running rugby.

“We have a desire to always fill this stadium,” Mitchell said.

“If we produce performances like this, it won't be long until the top green seats are filled.

“It’s just that style of rugby that brings people here to watch us.”

England's 2014 World Cup-winning team captain Cat Merchant said the “huge” occasion gave her “goosebumps”.

“This shows how far the game has come,” she said on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast. “England put on a show because it was at Twickenham. They raised the bar and were fantastic.”

England's style under former head coach Simon Middleton was very positive, with the Red Roses relying on strong mauls to win the Six Nations and reach the 2022 World Cup finals.

Fullback Kildon collected 351 meters on 23 carries to earn his second Most Valuable Player award in two weeks.

That included two eye-catching counter-attacking breaks in the first half, using her footwork and fluid running technique to evade numerous Irish defenders.

The 24-year-old, who is fast becoming a star for the Red Roses, now has nine tries in four games. After the match, supporters wrote messages on her jersey and she took multiple selfies to show off her smile.

“I'm very happy to play in front of such a crowd at my home stadium and put on a show,” Kildan told BBC Two.

“I don't mean to dishonor Ireland, but we really stepped up when we needed to. It was running rugby, everyone knew their role and it was fun.”

Former England captain Maggie Alfonsi described Kildane as a “rock star”, and the power of a rock star is to fill stadiums.

“I'm surprised at times with the way Kildan holds the ball,” Alfonsi said.

“If the opponent kicks her and it's a loose kick, it's just inviting her to play in that space and she finds that gap very well.

“Her game is growing, the way she plays is more mature and the way England play is allowing her to get into the game.”

It wasn't just the playing surface that created a party-like atmosphere at Twickenham.

Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed at half-time, bringing the stadium to life with her catchy rendition of 'Murder on the Dancefloor', creating a family atmosphere.

“It was a very upbeat crowd, but it was great to see her bring it up even more. Everyone was in great spirits,” Merchant added.

Earlier this month, Mitchell's side defeated Wales in front of a crowd of 19,705 at Ashton Gate, a record for a Red Roses home game outside Twickenham.

Records are being created one after another.

England captain Murray Packer said: “We at the Red Roses continue to travel and that's how we built our fan base.''

“So when we come here, it's not going to be an empty stadium.”

It may have been a mismatch on the field against Ireland, but the atmosphere and buzz remained throughout the match, making you wonder what would happen if England hosted a World Cup final at home.

“No disrespect to Ireland, but people knew this game was a foregone conclusion,” Merchant added.

“I'm pretty sure England will win the World Cup next year, but there's more at stake and England will have a tougher game to play.”

There is still a title to be won next Saturday against France in Bordeaux before any more potential records are broken.

A third consecutive Grand Slam will certainly help the Red Roses fill Twickenham early.