Fresh energy, same aim - England begin 'new cycle' bidding for an eighth successive Women's Six Nations title
The Red Roses will return to Allianz Stadium for the first time since beating Canada in September's World Cup final when they face Ireland on Saturday
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This weekend, the Women’s Six Nations begins, with England aiming to retain the title once again.
Their dominance in the competition has been remarkable. England’s last defeat came against France in 2018 and since then, they have won 32 consecutive Six Nations matches, scoring 252 tries and conceding just 33.
Despite that consistency, there is a slightly different look to the side this year, beginning with new leadership under Meg Jones.
Her appointment as captain follows the news that former Red Roses skipper Zoe Stratford is expecting a baby in September.
Around Jones, the squad blends established internationals with emerging talent. That mix will create fresh combinations heading into their opener against Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
There is also change within the coaching set-up. Emily Scarratt has stepped in as England's new attack and backs coach after announcing her retirement following last year’s World Cup, adding further freshness to the group.
Hearing from Red Roses players Helena Rowland and Lilli Ives Campion, there was a clear sense of focus within the camp.
At the same time, excitement is building ahead of a huge opening fixture, with more than 70,000 fans expected.
"It’s a massive first game against Ireland", Rowland said.
"They had a really good World Cup and were incredibly close to beating France in that quarter-final last year, so it’s a big game.
"To play it at Allianz Stadium is incredibly special. We’ve obviously got 70,000+ fans coming through the door as well so it’s going to be one hell of an atmosphere and hopefully a big start to the tournament."
"I’ve never played at Allianz Stadium before," Ives Campion added.
"I’ve only ever warmed up with the team or spectated so even for me personally, it’s something I’d love to experience.
"Just knowing the numbers we’ve hit so far is incredible. I think that we’re already at 70,000, hopefully 70,000+. It shows testament to the growth we had during the World Cup and how quickly that happened. It’s going to be exciting. I can’t wait to experience that with the girls and see who gets picked for that one."
That excitement sits alongside a broader sense of change within the group, as England begin what many see as a new cycle.
“It’s been really refreshing," Rowland continued.
"We’ve obviously got a couple of new staff and a whole host of new players [seven uncapped]. It’s been good fun so far.
"Obviously, there’s a lot of learning as there always is when you come into camp, but there’s also a real feeling that this is the start of a new cycle.
"It’s a time to try new things whether that be on pitch or trying to make bonds off the pitch. It’s been a really good couple of weeks with lots of new ideas and a freshen up."
That evolution is also reflected in the opportunities now opening up within the squad. Even with eight World Cup winners being absent from this year’s Six Nations, it underlines the depth England have built.
“Obviously, eight players is a lot to lose from a very successful squad but equally it gives so much opportunity to younger players who have been tearing it up in the PWR, the likes of Sarah Parry, Carmela Morrall, all those players who’ve been coming in that have really shown up week in week out, potentially getting their chance this Six Nations," Rowland said.
"I think it’s incredibly exciting. You’ve got a lot of new players. Everyone plays slightly differently, so it brings something different into the mix. Hopefully, that depth and exposure will be a really positive thing going forward and when you add those players back into the mix, it’s going to be incredibly competitive. That’ll make us, as a squad, even stronger."
Despite having just five caps, Ives Campion has been helping some of the new faces settle into camp, with that sense of opportunity being felt across the group.
"Everyone is on a level playing field. I know exactly what it’s like to be a new player in the squad. It’s not just down to the leaders in the squad or experienced players in the squad, it’s over to everyone to really introduce and help build everyone up so we’re all on one page.
"That’s the vibe. We’re kind of building on what we have already. This is fresh, there are new people and we’re just so ready to go out there and show that.
"It’s an exciting position to be in. Mitch has been really open in the media about selection is not guaranteed and we do have some amazing back row and second row players who are young players who have come through into the camp.
"The likes of Abbie [Ward] and Zoe [Stratford] (who will both miss the tournament after announcing their recent pregnancies) are still knocking around here, so just having their faces in camp is incredible. It’s more about taking an opportunity."
Even with seven consecutive titles behind them, England are not allowing past success to shape their mindset, with the focus firmly on what lies ahead.
“We know we have to earn the right in this tournament", Ives Campion added. “Nothing is ever a given.
"We’re going into this with a blank slate to earn the right to then hopefully go on and win the tournament, but we have to take each game as it comes.
"Each game is its own competition in itself, and I think that we have to go to the mindset of we’re not really speaking about last year too much."
England begin their campaign on Saturday at 2:25pm against Ireland at Allianz Stadium.
