5. MOST DEPTH SINCE MITCHELL COACHED THE ALL BLACKS & CLEALL’S RETURN
John Mitchell discussed how the current Red Roses side has immaculate squad depth, and expressed how he has only seen such vast arrays of quality once before in his coaching career. Mitchell was apart of the All Blacks coaching staff from 2001 to 2003, and compared today’s Red Roses side to that of his former New Zealand squad, due to their unparalleled options in numerous positions.
“Probably the All Blacks, is the last time I’ve had this opportunity. Rugby has changed a lot since the All Blacks in the men’s game. So they probably don’t have the same depth, that I was privy to back then. So I’m very grateful to be in a position to have the depth that we that we have.”
Rounding off, Mitchell has re-called Poppy Cleall to the Six Nations squad, after the back-row was left out of the pre-competition camp that ran earlier this month. Mitchell discussed how he has been impressed by the Saracen’s return to top form, as she has taking on her coaching points.
“We wanted her to increase her actions, number of actions. And we also wanted her to win more more carry meters. Poppy’s very intelligent. She took on her advice. And she showed examples of shifting. So to me, that’s a of a good character to be able to take on the advice and shift. Clearly, obviously, she’s been successful with what she’s had in the past. And yet she’s showing some shift in that behaviour, which to me is a really good example.”