Marlie Packer is fast becoming synonymous with victory. The England captain once again hoisted a trophy, celebrating her team’s fourth title in just 18 months, after a hard-fought 21-12 victory over Canada in Vancouver. This win not only marked their 20th consecutive triumph but also secured the Red Roses' retention of the WXV1 title, cementing their dominance on the global stage.
With this latest win, England’s women’s rugby team has now claimed an astonishing 50 victories in their last 51 matches. The only blemish on their near-perfect record was the heartbreaking loss to New Zealand in the 2022 Rugby World Cup final, a defeat that ended a remarkable 30-match unbeaten streak. While their overwhelming success is undeniable, that one loss has left an indelible mark. For Packer and her squad, the focus is now firmly on winning the ultimate prize—the Rugby World Cup, which they’ll be contesting on home soil next year.
A Shift in Philosophy: Aiming for Ruthless Victory
England’s loss to New Zealand in the World Cup final exposed vulnerabilities in their gameplay, specifically their over-reliance on the driving maul, which had brought them four tries in the final. But in that critical last play, it failed. That defeat was a wake-up call, and following it, a significant change in leadership and strategy occurred. Simon Middleton stepped down as head coach, making way for John Mitchell, a former All Blacks coach, to guide the team forward.
Mitchell was brought in to reshape England’s attack and diversify their approach, ensuring they would not repeat their past mistakes. His mission was clear: evolve the Red Roses’ style of play, so they didn’t lean too heavily on any one tactic. He introduced a more dynamic, well-rounded approach, centered on unleashing England's deadly backs in open spaces to maximize attacking opportunities.
In his first year at the helm, the results of Mitchell’s philosophy were evident. When England met New Zealand in a rematch in September, they ran in four first-half tries, demonstrating their progress. Despite this commanding display, Mitchell expressed disappointment that his side failed to maintain their intensity, letting the Black Ferns claw their way back into the game. This highlighted the coach’s high standards, underscoring the necessity for England to stay ruthless and unyielding, especially under the pressure of a World Cup campaign at home.
Winning Ugly When It Matters
In the recent WXV1 title decider against Canada, England was far from their best. Their usually free-flowing backs, including the likes of Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, and Abby Dow—who had combined to score seven tries in their last meeting with New Zealand—struggled to find their rhythm. Yet, even when not firing on all cylinders, England showed their grit and ability to adapt.
The victory in Vancouver wasn’t one for the purists. The game was scrappy, and England’s backs found themselves stifled by a tenacious Canadian defense. However, this is where Mitchell’s new England shone. In the second half, when they needed to break down Canada’s resistance, England reverted to the tried-and-tested power of their pack. Two second-half tries from their forwards were enough to clinch the title, proving they could still 'win ugly' when required.
This adaptability—combining moments of brilliance with the ability to grind out results—makes England a formidable force heading into next year’s World Cup. They’ve shown they can entertain with exhilarating, fast-paced rugby, but also that they can knuckle down and outmuscle opponents when the situation demands it.
The Weight of Expectation on Home Soil
Next year’s World Cup will carry immense pressure for England. Not only will they have the advantage of playing on home turf, but they’ll also carry the weight of expectation from a nation that has come to anticipate victory from this team. For Packer and her teammates, lifting the World Cup trophy is the only acceptable outcome. Anything less would feel like failure for a side that has set such impossibly high standards.
Yet, with each victory and each trophy, England’s confidence grows. The heartache of 2022 may still linger, but it has become the fuel driving their relentless pursuit of success. The leadership of Marlie Packer has been instrumental in keeping the squad focused and grounded despite their overwhelming dominance. Her calm but determined demeanor underlines the unity within the camp, as they strive not just to win, but to establish a legacy as one of the greatest teams in women’s rugby history.
With their backs clicking into gear, a ruthless pack, and the experience of recent heartache guiding their way, England are better equipped than ever to go one step further and lift the World Cup in front of their home fans. Their continued evolution under John Mitchell’s guidance is steering them towards that ultimate goal—redemption and glory on the world stage.
