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The flowers are crimson, the Scots in azure, the pressure is mounting, what will the outcome be? The final result from a rain-drenched Bristol was predictable enough. When bookmakers start quoting prices of 1000-1 on for a team to win a two‑horse race, the likelihood of the English side not making it to the last four were roughly on a par with anyone in the stands getting sunstroke.

With it came one more historic achievement for John Mitchell’s bunch of consistent champions. No leading international rugby side in history had ever achieved 31 Tests in a row as England’s women have accomplished: 61 victories in their last 62 internationals leaves precious little room for people to doubt their heritage or killer instinct.

Yet would you risk your home on England hoisting the trophy in less than two weeks? This could hinge on the precise sum of funds at stake and possible access to other emergency income streams. But would you? Instantly? Based on the evidence of this particular game, even with the comfortable victory margin and challenging weather, one might feel tempted to hold fire.

Certainly, the return of Zoe Aldcroft is highly significant. She stands as an iconic leader the England captain has grown into. And as always, when England get within the goal line of the opposition with ball in hand, their supporters lick their lips. Scotland were wonderfully spirited and tirelessly determined, but physical realities cannot be ignored when big forwards with low body balance line up to cross the try line.

Sometimes overlooked Talling earned her accolade for player of the match, while Kelsey Clifford, replacing the sidelined Botterman, also took her starting chance fully. Her two no-nonsense first-half tries likely thrilled all at her original team, Finchley RFC, where she was first introduced to the sport at the age of six. Additionally there’s that fleet-footed marvel Abby Dow, who notched her half-century of international tries and played with her usual dash and energy.

A single-figure penalty count on a filthy afternoon was a further positive. However, one must also consider must also be factored they didn’t nail due to persistent small errors, questionable decisions, and intermittent flow. Against different opponents, against opponents with a sturdier set piece, the game might have turned out much closer.

The coach believed his side had been disadvantaged by Scottish cynicism in the forwards, but overconfidence risks is ever-present. Can it be called progress, for example, for non-playing England players to be playing drums in the stands mid-match? Shouldn’t they be concentrating more intently on the action and reserve such activities for post-match? Alternatively, practice more discreetly before performing again?

Of more immediate urgency is if the team is striking all the right on-field notes. For instance, was Aitchison’s opportunity to start at No 10 and demonstrate she deserves to keep the position for the biggest games. She possesses great skill and converted most of her goals, but England’s backline rarely connected as coaches had intended.

One of those moments came after Aitchison had been shifted slightly wider out, gliding down the 12 channel to register a neat try. But England prefer to start the more direct Heard at center, paired with the consistently excellent Jones. Despite continuous success, it sometimes feels as if England are still not totally sure of their optimal starting XV.

Maybe it won’t matter when Kildunne returns. Their powerful forwards and deep squad talent will wear down all-comers and the holy grail will be won for the first occasion in over a decade. Possibly the victors of Friday’s match between the Canadians and Kiwis will be overwhelmed by the host nation’s caterpillar tracks. According to the Scottish skipper Malcolm accurately noted, “They are the top-ranked side in the world with justification.”

However, it’s possible England’s future opponents still have a tiny sniff. When McGhie carved through England’s defence late on to create the opportunity from which Rhona Lloyd scored a late try, the eyes of one or two Black Ferns would undoubtedly have taken notice. The Scots also had some joy chipping over the top into space and forcing England’s midfield to retreat.

Answers will come shortly. What is not in any doubt is the support for England in the stands. Ashton Gate was sold out for this match and will be again for the semi-final. The final will be a huge event, rain or shine. Oddsmakers will not be deserting England at this stage.