Louis Deacon confident there is more to come from in-form England

England interim head coach Louis Deacon says his side are far from the finished article despite sweeping aside Canada 45-12 in their second match in the WXV tournament in Dunedin.

Lark Atkin-Davies scored four tries – all from the rolling maul – as her side built on last week’s win over Australia to strengthen their position at the top of the six-team group.

But Deacon – who continued in charge with his successor John Mitchell yet to assume full control, is still convinced there are areas his world number one-ranked side can still improve.

Deacon said: “We’re not where we want to be and there’s still a long way to go.

“We’re on a journey with a new coaching team so we’re learning all the time. But what is pleasing is that there is a balance coming into our game, and it is about understanding that balance.”

Atkin-Davies underlined England’s forward strength and effectively killed the game with her first two tries in the final three minutes of the first half.

Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach and Claudia MacDonald also went over while Helena Rowland struck four conversions to put the seal on an impressive win over a side England also beat in last year’s World Cup semi-final.

“I think they’ve been outstanding throughout the week,” added Deacon.

“Our preparation has been excellent and they put it out there on the pitch. It’s pleasing how they went around the set-piece and in particular the line-out and maul, but there is still something to work on.”