IT'S A HOLLY DAY

Aitchison leads charge but Mitchell wants more

- By Adam Hathaway

FLY-HALF Holly Aitchison led the way as England nailed down a semifinal spot — but boss John Mitchell reckoned they should have scored more.

Mitchell was fuming England did not get greater reward from referee Aurelie Groizeleau for dominating at scrum and line-out and will be seeking clarification from World Rugby.

Aitchison’s 15-point haul, including a try, set up a last-four clash with France, narrow 18-13 winners over Ireland earlier in the day, back here at Ashton Gate on Saturday. England made it a record 31 Test wins on the spin, beating their own mark, but they have still to win the one that matters for the first time since 2014.

Their last defeat came in the World Cup final, against New Zealand in 2022, and they have hardly had a game since — this one was all over bar the shouting by the break.