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Rugby Union Thrills as England’s Red Roses Prepare for Showdown with Wales
As reported by BBC Rugby Union on March 28, 2024, the highly anticipated Women’s Six Nations clash between England’s Red Roses and Wales is set to captivate fans at Ashton Gate on Saturday. The match promises to be an intense and closely contested affair, with the Red Roses aiming to build on their impressive 48-0 victory over Italy in the previous round.
At the heart of the narrative is the “genuine friendship” between England’s women’s head coach John Mitchell and the England men’s national team captain Jamie George. The two have maintained a close relationship since Mitchell’s time as an assistant coach with the men’s national side under former boss Eddie Jones. This week, George has been working closely with the Red Roses’ hookers, sharing his expertise in throwing and line-out technique, which the players have thoroughly enjoyed.
“When I got this role, he said if I needed any help, then sing out. He encouraged it. It was pretty immediate. We’re always texting anyway on various things. I think we have a genuine friendship,” Mitchell explained, highlighting the valuable cross-pollination between the men’s and women’s programs.
The match is set to be a historic occasion, with England likely to set a new attendance record for a Red Roses home fixture, with close to 20,000 fans expected to pack Ashton Gate. England captain Marlie Packer expressed her team’s excitement at the prospect of playing in front of such a large and passionate crowd, stating, “We’re excited to play in front of a home crowd for the first time in this year’s tournament.”
The Red Roses will be without the services of Sarah Beckett, who was sent off against Italy and has since been handed a three-match ban. However, the team remains confident in their ability to overcome Wales, with Mitchell stating, “All teams will be better for their second outing and we’re looking forward to improving our game.”
The stakes are high as the two nations clash, with England’s Red Roses aiming to cement their position at the top of the Women’s Six Nations table. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the skill, intensity, and passion that has come to define rugby union at the international level.
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