Mitchell: We've got another gear to go

THE Red Roses head into their final Test of the year against Canada in the early hours of this morning comfortably clear in the world rankings.

- BEN JAYCOCK

It is the WXV title decider, with both teams unbeaten in the opening two rounds. Hosts Canada comfortably defeated France and Ireland, with England cruising past France and New Zealand.

It has been impressive first year in charge for John Mitchell. England won another Six Nations Grand Slam at a canter before an impressive warmup series heading into the WXV tournament.

The litmus test is next year's World Cup where they will have to cope with red hot levels of pressure and expectation on home turf. Three years ago they were favourites for the World Cup but came up short in the final against New Zealand.

Defence is Mitchell's primary concern. A fast start by the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium last month in their WXV warm-up put the Red Roses on the back foot as they struggled with powerful runners such as Ayesha Leti-I'iga. But when teams have piled on pressure, the Red Roses have been ruthless in taking opportunities down the other end, often scoring against the run of play.