Jones urges Red Roses to stay unpredictable after nine-try win in New Jersey

England captain Meg Jones urged the Red Roses to broaden their attacking options after they ran in nine tries against the United States in New Jersey on Friday, with Moloney-MacDonald scoring four of them. "Teams are getting better, that's the nature of it," Jones said.

England's recent run has contained setbacks that have tightened the top of the women's game: a four-year, 41-match unbeaten run was ended by a pair of defeats by Canada earlier this month, and New Zealand came close to 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.

Jones described the victory over the United States as evidence of England's multiple attacking threats, noting the spread of try-scorers across the pack and backs. 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.

The captain said the intensity of international competition was rising and stressed the need for tactical variety. "We've learned loads on this tour, and gained so much feedback from where we want to keep growing, getting better and keep pushing," she added, describing the tour as a learning opportunity for the squad.

Jones also spoke of the team's internal drive to improve as they consolidate recent gains. "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 enter the coming season as reigning world champions, having won the Rugby World Cup in 2025, and will attempt to lift a ninth successive Women's Six Nations title next spring.

They take on Wales in their tournament opener on 10 April. It is the opening fixture of next spring's Women's Six Nations.