Red Roses statement win over Scotland 'special', says head coach John Mitchell

England women head coach John Mitchell has hailed their 87-4 win over Scotland in the second round of the Women's Six Nations as 'special' after a week of adversity leading up to the Murrayfield clash.

England looked rusty in their opening win against Ireland, their second half performance in particular raising questions about their title defence.

Their injury list then only brought more worry as Alex Matthews was ruled out of the match with a shoulder injury and added to a list of Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell and Tatyana Heard ruled out of the entire tournament.

In addition, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin-Davies are missing because of pregnancy.

That led to five changes to the starting line-up, including shifting star Ellie Kildunne onto the wing.

Before the contest, Red Roses head coach Mitchell said this was the toughest test his side had faced but it was a chance for each and every player to prove why they are a Red Rose.

They did that and then some.

After five tries in the first half, they added a mammoth seven in the second with Mia Venner and Haineala Lutui finishing off the scoring on their third and second Test appearances respectively.

With a dominant lead on the board, Mitchell had made a raft of changes and those players came on and made their impact. Whether it was the forwards bringing the pressure, and scoring too through Sarah Bern and Marlie Packer, or the young backs showing why they have a future in the international game, they made it clear once again why they are the team to beat.

They made it clear they are the world champions.

For Mitchell, the match was a show of "courage" and further proof that his side has adapted to all the moving parts and adversity they have faced.