- author, alastair telfer
- role, bbc sports journalist
“We sent a message to everyone about how we want to play.”
The team has won five out of five games, with 270 points for and 41 points against, but it's not just the statistical superiority that has pleased the new head coach.
The Red Roses have shown the ability to mix and match their styles depending on the opponent. Mitchell believes there is more to come.
England improved last week with a 14-try win over Ireland at Twickenham, but their forwards showed a ruthless side on Saturday in front of a hostile Bordeaux crowd.
The Red Roses scored five tries in the first half to overwhelm a side who had only won by more than one point once in the previous four Six Nations.
Mitchell told BBC One: “They were very motivated and rightfully so.”
“We talked about arm-wrestling the whole match and I definitely understood that.
“The standards are tough, but they did a great job.”
It was the Red Roses' third consecutive Grand Slam, but Mitchell's growing influence on England's attack was evident throughout the tournament.
The New Zealander moves the team away from the more forward-oriented style under manager Simon Middleton, who led them to Grand Slams and World Cup finals in 2022 and 2023, and towards a more balanced approach. I'm trying to move it.
The Red Roses scored 14 tries against Ireland last weekend, with full-back Ellie Kildon and winger Abbey Dow scoring hat-tricks, and Mitchell's desire to unleash his talented backs was brilliant in his ruthless style. It clicked with me.
But in a packed Stade Chaban Delmas, center Megan Jones scored the Bucs' only touchdown, and the forwards not only stood up to the big French pack but also scored five of the visitors' six tries.
Mitchell told BBC Rugby Union Weekly: “When I interviewed for the job, my diagnosis was that we were in good form but there was a disconnect between the forward pack and the backs. I think we were able to integrate them very well.”
“I've been challenging the players' way of thinking about the game and they're growing in that area as well. I think it's a good environment.”
Speaking about the environment, captain Marley Packer told BBC One: “We have continued to grow as a group both on and off the pitch.
“We are truly entering the John Mitchell era and we will continue to grow as a group.”
England host New Zealand and France in September, with Twickenham expected to host at least one of those games before defending their WXV1 title in Canada.
And despite the improved playing style, it's still “one step at a time” for Mitchell as he prepares his team for the 2025 home World Cup.
One area for improvement may be England's performance in the second half. They were unable to get ahead of France, who were reduced to 14 men for much of the second period after Asia Kharfaoui was sent off.
“We were able to set a good benchmark in this tournament in terms of sending a message to everyone about how we want to play and approach the game,” Mitchell added.
“I think it's a tournament that a lot of people underestimate. It's quite taxing, both physically and mentally.
“We gave our all to the game, both physically and mentally, so it looked a little flat towards the end.
“We set out at the beginning of 2024 to be in top shape.”
