Despite 20 tries and 112 points over a couple of comprehensive wins, the first two matches of England Women’s Rugby World Cup defence have featured a few flat patches. It would have been remarkable had they not.

The much-vaunted 80-minute performance is so rare. Indeed, Sunday’s skipper Emily Scarratt addressed that issue phlegmatically after a 56-13 defeat of Italy in Dublin.

She said her side had wanted to “keep hold of the ball” and “play in the right areas of the field” following a fractured first half. Then Scarratt caught herself: “All the rugby clichés, really.”

Minor grumbles aside, Simon Middleton’s charges go to a group decider against the USA on Thursday with some areas of their game in excellent fettle.

Among those reasons to be cheerful is how England’s explosive back-row carriers are being used - with variety and intelligence. Here are three ways the reigning champions are making the most of their weapons.

Hunting and handling in packs

The first sequence comes on the stroke of half-time to finish a tough first period with a flourish. We begin as loosehead prop Rochelle Clark prepares to take a pass from scrum-half Natasha Hunt and carry from first receiver.

All three members of England’s starting back row are highlighted in red. Tellingly, opposite them in Italy’s defensive line, are three front-row forwards - loosehead prop Marta Ferrari (1), tighthead prop Lucia Gai (3) and hooker Melissa Bettoni (2). At any level of rugby, this should be seen as a mismatch opportunity: