Ireland’s 15-10 victory over France on Friday extinguished England’s hopes of regaining their title but Street insisted the player’s attitude in coming back from the double setback was as important as the result.

“It was not just the win that was important but the response of the players who came back from two defeats,” said Street. 

“Everyone says you learn a lot from losing and we certainly did. In the first half everything that we worked on during the week came to fruition and that is a coaches’ dream. The second half was tougher but the players dug deep.”

There were tries for second row Jo McGilchrist and skipper Sarah Hunter on the occasion of their 50th caps, as well as scores for Roz Cowley, Sally Tuson and Emily Cross.

And Street wants England to send out a message in their final game against Wales and finish theRBS 6 Nations the way they started – with victory.

“We play Wales next week and plan to end the Championship in style,” he said. “The girls will take a lot of confidence from this win and will get better.”