Jones challenges Red Roses to keep rivals guessing

England are aiming to expand their attack in order to stay at the head of rugby’s world order, says Red Roses captain Meg Jones.

Their four-year, 41-match unbeaten run was ended by a pair of defeats by Canada earlier this month, while New Zealand threatened victory at Allianz Stadium last month, only to be undone by Zoe Harrison’s final-play try.

For so long the runaway leaders at the top of the world rankings, England could even have dropped to third with a combination of a 15-point defeat against the United States on Friday and a New Zealand win over France on Saturday.

That never looked likely as the Red Roses ran in nine tries in victory over the USA in New Jersey, but Jones says competition is becoming more fierce at the top of the game.

“Teams are getting better, that’s the nature of it,” Jones said.

“It happened in the men’s game, it’s happened in the women’s game, and we’ve just got to start being probably more unpredictable.

“We’ve learned loads on this tour, and gained so much feedback from where we want to keep growing, getting better and keep pushing.”

Jones said that the win over the United States – with tries from players in the front row, back row, midfield and back three – was an example of the multiple threats they want to pose rivals.

“We played the game that we love to play, which is front-foot ball, attacking well, everyone an option, our props running through the middle,” added Jones.

“I think there is hunger inside of us, that always keeps us ticking and keeps us at the top level. You can’t be satisfied.

“I don’t think you can stand still when you’re playing competitive sport, so we’re constantly striving to grow and be better.”

England, who won the Rugby World Cup in 2025, will attempt to lift a ninth successive Women’s Six Nations next spring. They take on Wales in their tournament opener on 10 April.