Super Holly shows why she's No.1 for Mitchell

HOLLY Aitchison produced a superb performance at flyhalf to guide England to their 16th consecutive victory.

- BEN JAYCOCK

The Red Roses scored six tries in their first outing since beating France in April to claim a third Six Nations Grand Slam in a row as they began their continue to gear up for their WXV1 title defence in Canada.

Aitchison was criticised for her goal kicking during the Six Nations with England’s embarrassment of riches at 10 shown with formidable place kicker Zoe Harrison on the bench. But Aitchison’s control of the game and its tempo is why the Bristol back is John Mitchell’s number one choice, while her four successful attempts from six conversions silenced her critics.

England extended their win streak over France to 14 games and next week will face world champions New Zealand at Twickenham.

Captain Marlie Packer said: “We knew it was going to be a tough encounter. Every time we play France, we know it’s going to be a battle right to the final whistle.