HEAD COACH John Mitchell savoured a “special performance” after depleted England continued their Women’s Six Nations title defence at the weekend with an 84-7 demolition of Scotland at Murrayfield.

The world champions set aside the absence of 10 players due to injury or pregnancy to run in 12 tries en route to a 35th consecutive Test victory.

Ellie Kildunne and Sarah Bern each touched down twice for the Red Roses, while Meg Jones, Kelsey Clifford, Emma Sing, Amy Cokayne, Marlie Packer, Sadia Kabeya, Mia Venner and Haineala Lutui were also on the scoresheet.

England fly-half Zoe Harrison nailed all 12 conversions in front of a record crowd for a women’s rugby match in Scotland.

“That was a special performance,” Mitchell told BBC Sport.

“It’s been a lot of moving parts over the last few weeks, with some of the players that are hugely valued in the team having serious injuries and the youngsters as well, so I am fortunate the staff and the coaching group have done a tremendous job.

“I think it is the courage that we are showing to a new style. I think it is great and they seem to be enjoying it. I am really proud of them today.”

England’s statement display in Edinburgh came after they looked rusty during parts of last weekend’s 33-12 round-one win over Ireland at Twickenham.

The Red Roses host Wales this weekend at Ashton Gate in Bristol before travelling to Italy and then title rivals France.

England captain Jones, who scored her team’s second try, said: “I think we were relentless today, we want to keep building every game we have and this game gives us great feedback.

“We want to just keep getting better and better every game we have. I am really proud of how the girls adapted today.”

Scotland claimed a first-half consolation through Rhona Lloyd as Sione Fukofuka’s first home game as head coach ended in a heavy defeat.

“I am very disappointed, to be honest,” said Fukofuka, whose side defeated Wales 24-19 last weekend.

“The occasion was fantastic but full credit to John Mitchell, Meg Jones and the team. We had a few areas exposed and we need to work on that.”

Asked about the areas requiring improvement ahead of a round-three trip to Italy, the Australian said: “A bit around our field position and decision-making.

“The set piece worked well sometimes and then it didn’t. A lot to work on for next week.

“We will take those lessons from England and turn it around. I feel really confident that next week we can turn it around and put on a good performance.

“I want to see accuracy, we are a good team, a clinical team and accurate but under pressure today we weren’t and England were able to expose that.

“The occasion was amazing and we embraced that there were 30,000-plus in the stands.”