Marlie Packer column: England squad using crochet to keep calm in ahead of Grand Slam decider

Crochet is a novel way for some of the girls to find some mindfulness amid the downtime in the England camp.

Abby Dow is the crochet queen, but Hannah Botterman is pretty amazing and Tatyana Heard has been getting involved as well.

Having a hobby like that can kill some time while players rest.

In the build-up to a big game with another Grand Slam on the line, anything that can shift the focus at the right times is important.

Abby made me a crocheted gold rose as a gift ahead of my 100th cap — which goes to show the caring nature in this squad.

Our first four matches have been tough but also ended in comprehensive wins, and the 88-10 victory over Ireland last weekend was a magical day

We have a real warmth and togetherness. It’s one of our strengths and something that can really come into its own when we come under pressure, as we inevitably will out in France tomorrow.

The atmosphere in Bordeaux will be hostile, and some of the younger girls may not have experienced anything like that. But that is when we will come closer together and lean on each other. We have the chance to win a sixth consecutive Six Nations and a third straight Grand Slam this weekend.

Our first four matches have been tough but also ended in comprehensive wins, and the 88-10 victory over Ireland last weekend was a magical day.

But this is a different proposition entirely against a fired-up and high-quality France outfit.

Our head coach John Mitchell talks about us being able to get better again, despite the standards we have set. That is exciting and drives us on.

Marlie celebrating the win over Ireland with her son, Oliver (Getty Images)

We went for a meal earlier this week and someone convinced the restaurant staff it was our attack coach Brian Ashton’s birthday.

The waiter came out with a candle in his dessert, and then Brian made a jokey speech.

He said that at his age of 77 he did not need extra birthdays, so he would save it until his actual birthday in September, but also thanks for the sentiment.

Brian is brilliant in what he brings, and a light-hearted interaction like that shows the atmosphere is spot-on.

No cliques, no small groups, everyone in together — it is a good thing, too, because that is exactly what we will need in Bordeaux tomorrow.

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