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The flowers are crimson, Scotland in blue, the stakes are rising, how will they do? The final result from a rain-drenched Bristol was predictable enough. When bookmakers start quoting extremely long odds 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 spectators suffering heatstroke.

With it came one more historic achievement for John Mitchell’s bunch of serial winners. No top-tier rugby nation in history has previously won 31 consecutive Test matches as the English women’s team have now done: 61 wins in their last 62 internationals leaves precious little room for people to doubt their heritage or killer instinct.

But could you absolutely put your mortgage on the English lifting the trophy in less than two weeks? This may depend on the precise sum of funds at stake and possible access to other emergency income streams. But would you? Instantly? Judging by the performance of this particular game, even with the comfortable victory margin and difficult conditions, you may just be inclined to pause and reconsider.

Sure, the return of Zoe Aldcroft makes a big difference. She stands as an iconic leader the team’s skipper has grown into. And, as ever, when England get within five metres 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 subterranean centres of gravity are queueing up to cross the try line.

The occasionally underrated Talling deserved her award for player of the match, while Clifford, in for the injured Hannah Botterman, also took her starting chance fully. Her two no-nonsense first-half tries likely thrilled all at her original team, Finchley RFC, where her father introduced her to rugby at six years old. Additionally there’s that fleet-footed marvel Abby Dow, who notched her half-century of international tries and displayed her usual dash and energy.

Fewer than ten penalties on a miserable day was another relative plus. However, one must also consider must also be factored they failed to convert due to nagging little misjudgments, one or two curious tactical options, and occasionally staccato rhythm. On other days, against opponents with a sturdier set piece, the game might have turned out much closer.

Mitchell felt his side had been disadvantaged by disruptive tactics in the forwards, but overconfidence risks lurks around every corner. Is it really a great innovation, for example, for reserve squad members to be playing drums in the stands during a game? Shouldn’t they be concentrating more closely on the game and reserve such activities for post-match? Alternatively, practice more discreetly before “entertaining” the public further?

More pressing is if the team is striking all the right on-field notes. For instance, was Aitchison’s opportunity to play fly-half and show her suitability to retain the jersey for the biggest games. She is a lovely footballer and slotted the vast majority of her goals, but the team’s backs seldom clicked as the management might have hoped.

A highlight came after she was moved slightly wider out, sprinting through the center to register a neat try. Yet the team prefer to start the more direct Tatyana Heard at center, paired with the consistently excellent Meg Jones. Despite continuous success, it sometimes feels as if England are still not totally sure of their optimal starting XV.

Perhaps it’s irrelevant when Kildunne returns. Maybe their mighty pack and extraordinary strength in depth will wear down all-comers and the ultimate prize will be secured for the first occasion in over a decade. Maybe the winners of Friday’s match between Canada and New Zealand will be overwhelmed by the host nation’s caterpillar tracks. According to the Scottish skipper Rachel Malcolm accurately noted, “England are the No 1 team in the world with justification.”

But just maybe England’s future opponents retain a slight chance. When McGhie carved through England’s defence late on to create the opportunity from which Lloyd dotted down a late try, New Zealand players would undoubtedly have taken notice. The Scots also had some joy with tactical kicks into space and forcing England’s midfield to turn.

We shall find out soon enough. What is not in any doubt is the Red Rose love among spectators. The venue was packed for this match and will repeat for the semi-final. The title decider promises a monumental occasion, whatever the weather. Oddsmakers will not be deserting England at this stage.