England Continue to be Top Contenders for Rugby World Cup Victory, However Wagering on Them Is a Different Story.

The flowers are crimson, the Scots in azure, the pressure is mounting, how will they do? The scoreboard answer from a soaking wet Bristol was predictable enough. Once oddsmakers begin offering extremely long odds for a team to win a lopsided contest, the chances of the English side not making it to the last four equaled anyone in the stands suffering heatstroke.

With it came one more historic achievement for the squad led by Mitchell of consistent champions. No leading international rugby side in history had ever achieved 31 Tests in a row as the English women’s team have accomplished: 61 wins in their last 62 internationals offers scant opportunity for people to doubt their heritage or competitive edge.

But could you absolutely put your mortgage on England hoisting the World Cup in just under a fortnight? This may hinge on the precise sum of funds at stake and possible access to other emergency income streams. Yet would you truly? Without hesitation? Based on the performance of this particular game, even with the comfortable victory margin and difficult conditions, one might feel tempted to hold fire.

Certainly, Zoe Aldcroft’s comeback makes a big difference. She stands as an iconic leader the team’s skipper has grown into. And as always, when England get within the goal line of their rivals with ball in hand, their supporters lick their lips. The Scots showed great heart and tirelessly determined, but the laws of physics are not easily defied when powerful players with subterranean centres of gravity are queueing up to score.

Sometimes overlooked Morwenna Talling deserved her award for best on pitch, while Kelsey Clifford, replacing the sidelined Botterman, also took her starting chance fully. Her two no-nonsense first-half tries will have particularly delighted all at her original team, Finchley Rugby Club, where she was first introduced to the sport at six years old. Additionally there’s the speedy sensation Abby Dow, who scored her 50th Test try and displayed her usual dash and energy.

A single-figure penalty count on a filthy afternoon was another relative plus. However, one must also consider the handful of tries they failed to convert due to persistent small errors, questionable decisions, and intermittent flow. Against different opponents, facing teams with stronger fundamentals, the game might have turned out appreciably tighter.

The coach believed his side had been unfairly handicapped by Scottish cynicism in the forwards, but overconfidence risks is ever-present. Can it be called progress, for example, for non-playing England players to be playing drums in the stands during a game? Wouldn’t it be better to focus more intently on the game and saving all that for post-match? Or, better still, quietly take a few more lessons before performing again?

Of more immediate urgency is if the team is striking all the right on-field notes. This, for example, was Aitchison’s opportunity to start at No 10 and show her suitability to retain the jersey for the biggest games. She is a lovely footballer and slotted the vast majority of her kicks, but the team’s backs rarely connected as coaches had intended.

A highlight came after Aitchison had been shifted to the wing, gliding down the 12 channel to register a neat try. But England typically opts for the more direct Tatyana Heard at inside-centre, paired with the consistently excellent Jones. Despite continuous success, it sometimes feels as if selection remains uncertain of their optimal starting XV.

Maybe it won’t matter when Kildunne returns. Their powerful forwards and extraordinary strength in depth will wear down all-comers and the ultimate prize will be secured for the first time since 2014. Possibly the victors of the other semi-final between Canada and New Zealand will be overwhelmed by the home side’s relentless advance. According to the Scottish skipper Malcolm rightly said, “They are the No 1 team in the world with justification.”

But just maybe rival teams still have a tiny sniff. As the lively Francesca McGhie breached England’s defence in the closing stages to create the opportunity from which Lloyd dotted down a late try, New Zealand players would undoubtedly have taken notice. The Scots also had some joy chipping over the top into space and forcing England’s midfield to retreat.

Answers will come shortly. What is not in any doubt is the Red Rose love among spectators. The venue was packed for this match and will repeat for the semi-final. The final will be a monumental occasion, whatever the weather. And the bookies will not be deserting England at this stage.