France v Wales

Wales captain Rachel Taylor says her side can upset hosts France in their opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014.

France thrashed

Wales 27-0

in the Six Nations in February, but Taylor does not think that will have any bearing on the match.

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“I’ve played for a couple of years now and I genuinely believe that Friday night will be the highlight of my career”

Rachel Taylor
Wales Women rugby captain

“We can really mix it with the best when we perform really well,” said Taylor.

“If we can do that on Friday it will put us in such a good position.”

Wales also face Australia and South Africa in Pool C.

They finished ninth in the 2010 tournament in England.

Aside from the France match itself Taylor, 31, is looking forward to event.

“Obviously the match itself will be a massive spectacle for the women’s game as a whole,” said Taylor.

“I’ve played for a couple of years now and I genuinely believe that Friday night will be the highlight of my career.

“Especially in terms of the numbers of people watching and the importance behind it and hopefully the event it will be as a whole.

“On the day of the game you don’t really focus on anything like that.

“So hopefully once it’s done and dusted and we’ve performed well, we can look back on it and really reflect and enjoy that moment.”

France Women have always attracted large, vociferous crowds but the Welsh will be guaranteed at least some support on Friday.

“My mam and dad are driving down and are going to make a bit of a holiday of it,” said Taylor.

“Quite a few of the girls have got a few people coming to watch so we’ll have a few supporters there.”

Taylor, from Llandudno, said the fact that Wales and France play each other every year in the Six Nations is help rather than a hindrance.

“We’ll know what to expect so as long as we do our homework right we can perform well.”

France v Wales