England's rugby coach, John Mitchell, has made it clear that he is unfazed by public opinion regarding his team's playing style as they gear up for the crucial World Cup semifinal against France. Mitchell, along with prop Hannah Botterman, asserts that the Red Roses will continue to leverage their formidable maul and scrum, a strategy that has proven effective throughout the tournament.

Strategic Dominance in Set-Pieces

Mitchell highlighted the importance of adapting to the game conditions, particularly the adverse weather faced in their last match against Scotland. "If the weather continues as it is, you're going to see set-piece still being a critical part of the way that we build pressure and create dominance," he stated. This approach has already yielded significant results, with 22 out of 38 tries in the tournament coming from their pack.

Botterman's Role and Insights

Hannah Botterman, returning to the front row after recovering from a back spasm, is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming match. She emphasized the often-underappreciated value of the scrum in modern rugby and confirmed that England would not stray from their strengths. "Everyone understands how important the set-piece is. If we do our job in the scrum, line-out, maul, then the backs understand that that gives them the best platform to play off," Botterman explained.

Looking Ahead

With four changes to the starting lineup, including the inclusion of Ellie Kildunne, Zoe Harrison, and Abbie Ward, England is poised to bring a dynamic yet consistent approach to the semifinal. Mitchell's confidence in his team's versatility and strategic depth underscores their readiness to face France, making this matchup a must-watch for rugby fans.