England carry defensive concerns into Six Nations decider against France

England put their record 37-game winning streak on the line against France in Sunday’s Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam decider in Bordeaux amid mounting concerns over their defensive frailties.

John Mitchell’s side have secured four consecutive Grand Slams but arrive at this year’s finale having conceded 76 points across the tournament.

At this exact stage last year, the reigning champions had leaked just 29 points before securing a thrilling 43-42 victory over the French.

Defensive vulnerabilities were particularly evident in recent outings against Wales and Italy, with those nations scoring nine tries combined.

Mounting injuries force positional changes

The current defensive instability can be heavily attributed to severe squad disruption and an ever-growing absentee list.

The head coach was already navigating the tournament without four World Cup winners due to pregnancy before an injury crisis decimated his forward pack.

Nine forwards who featured in the previous global final were unavailable for last weekend’s trip to Parma.

This severe shortage of recognised locks forced 19-year-old back-rower Haineala Lutui and flanker Abi Burton to deputise in the second row.

“We are going through a lot of changes and the players are still learning and growing,” Mitchell said ahead of the final clash.

“I am trying to explain to the younger players how important learning new positions is, and they are only growing.”

Statistical drop poses major threat in Bordeaux

Integrating new personnel into Sarah Hunter’s defensive system has inevitably caused teething problems for the world champions.

Thirty different players have taken the field during this campaign, including five debutants earning their first international caps.

Underlying statistics highlight a stark drop in defensive dominance compared to previous campaigns.

Missed tackles have increased by an average of 3.45 per game, while dominant hits have plummeted from 12.4 to just 5.5 per match.

These frailties offer significant hope to a potent French attack that ruthlessly dismantled Scotland with a 69-point haul last weekend.

“We have conceded more points than probably we wanted to,” acknowledged Burton ahead of the crucial trip to France.

“Naturally when there is change, there will be more knowledge in some places than the others, so it is about bringing everyone up to speed.”