England Women Dominate US in World Cup Opener But Coach Hints at Further Improvement

In a dominant display at the Women's Rugby World Cup opener, England's women's team secured a remarkable 69-7 victory against the United States, scoring 11 tries, with a significant number of them in the second half. Coach John Mitchell expressed confidence in his team's capabilities but emphasized that they could enhance their game further, pushing for increased intensity after halftime.

The performance showcased England's strong forward play and skillful backs, effectively illustrating why they are considered the frontrunners of the tournament. Winger Abby Dowd, who contributed to the tally of tries, highlighted the importance of the forwards in establishing a strong foundation for the team's success, adhering to the idea that forwards set the tone while backs determine the margin of victory.

Mitchell, who has a rich coaching background, including with the All Blacks, cautioned that the team has much more to offer as the competition heats up. The exceptional turnout of over 42,000 spectators created an electrifying atmosphere that benefited the players. Fullback Ellie Kildunne, awarded the best player of the match, acknowledged the importance of meeting the expectations set by both the performance and the home crowd, indicating that this match is merely the beginning of their journey in the tournament.