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The flowers are crimson, the Scots in azure, the tension is building, what will the outcome be? The scoreboard answer from a rain-drenched Bristol was predictable enough. Once oddsmakers begin offering prices of 1000-1 on for one side to win a two‑horse race, the likelihood of England failing to the last four equaled anyone in the stands suffering heatstroke.

With it came one more historic achievement for the squad led by Mitchell of consistent champions. No top-tier rugby nation in history has previously won 31 Tests in a row as England’s women have now done: 61 wins in their past 62 Tests leaves precious little room for critics to doubt their pedigree or killer instinct.

But could you risk your home on the English lifting the trophy in less than two weeks? This could depend on the precise sum of funds at stake and possible access to other emergency income streams. But would you? Without hesitation? Judging by the evidence of this match, even with a convincing win and challenging weather, one might feel tempted to hold fire.

Certainly, Zoe Aldcroft’s comeback makes a big difference. She stands as an iconic leader the team’s skipper has become. And as always, once the English advance near five metres of their rivals in possession, fans anticipate eagerly. Scotland were wonderfully spirited and endlessly committed, but the laws of physics are not easily defied when big forwards with subterranean centres of gravity are queueing up to cross the try line.

The occasionally underrated Talling earned her accolade for best on pitch, while Kelsey Clifford, in for the injured Hannah Botterman, also took her starting chance fully. Her two no-nonsense first-half tries will have particularly delighted all at her original team, Finchley RFC, where she was first introduced to rugby 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 customary speed and vigor.

Fewer than ten penalties on a filthy afternoon was a further positive. But into the final equation the handful of tries they failed to convert due to nagging little misjudgments, questionable decisions, and occasionally staccato rhythm. On other days, against opponents with a sturdier set piece, the contest could have been appreciably tighter.

Mitchell felt his side had been disadvantaged by disruptive tactics up front, but the danger of complacency lurks around every corner. Can it be called progress, for example, for reserve squad members to be bashing away at drums from the sidelines during a game? Shouldn’t they be concentrating more intently on the game and reserve such activities for afterwards? Alternatively, quietly take a few more lessons before performing again?

Of more immediate urgency is if the team is striking all the right on-field notes. This, for example, was Holly Aitchison’s big chance to start at No 10 and show her suitability to keep the position for crucial matches. She is a lovely footballer and slotted the vast majority of her kicks, but England’s backline rarely connected as coaches had intended.

A highlight came after she was moved to the wing, gliding down the 12 channel to score a smooth second-half try. But England prefer to start the physically assertive Tatyana Heard at inside-centre, alongside the ever-impressive Jones. Despite continuous success, it occasionally seems as if selection remains uncertain of the best starting lineup.

Maybe it won’t matter when Ellie Kildunne is back. Maybe their mighty pack and deep squad talent will wear down all-comers and the ultimate prize will be won for the first occasion in over a decade. Maybe the winners of Friday’s match between the Canadians and Kiwis will be crushed beneath the host nation’s caterpillar tracks. As Scotland’s impressive captain Rachel Malcolm rightly said, “They are the top-ranked side in the world for a reason.”

But just maybe England’s future opponents still have a tiny sniff. As the lively Francesca McGhie carved through England’s defence late on to create the position from which Lloyd dotted down a late try, the eyes of one or two Black Ferns would undoubtedly have taken notice. Scotland found success chipping over the top into space and forcing England’s midfield to retreat.

We shall find out soon enough. What remains clear is the Red Rose love in the stands. The venue was packed for this contest and will repeat for the next round. The final will be a monumental occasion, rain or shine. Oddsmakers are unlikely to abandon the favorites just yet.