England look to end final heartache in Paris

Of course, England have won the Women’s Rugby World Cup before, in Scotland in

1994 but it was a scratch tournament not played under the umbrella of the

International Rugby Board, and without the presence of, for example, New

Zealand.

This is now the real deal at Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris, with the ground sold

out, although it remains to be seen whether that will be reflected in the

attendance, with France having gone out to Canada in Wednesday’s second

semi-final. But there is no doubt that this has been a tournament when

women’s rugby has achieved a level of recognition in the public’s conscience

many notches above that of previously.

“Four years ago everyone would have said that the tournament staged in England

was the best World Cup there has been,” says Hunter. “But this has topped

that. The quality of the games has firmly put women’s rugby on the map.”

Hunter played in that 2010 tournament when England agonisingly lost the final

13-10 to the Black Ferns. Before this tournament that defeat was used as

motivation, but now, wisely, the focus has altered. “Losing any World Cup

final has that motivation,” says Hunter. “But we are much trying to stay in

the here and now, of what is happening in this World Cup and not dwell on

the past. There is definitely a different feel in camp now about what we are

capable of.”

First-time finalists Canada, though, will provide formidable opposition. They

were the better team in that 13-13 pool draw, even though England were

rotating a little in their selection and did thrash the Canadians 32-3 at

Twickenham Stoop last November.

“We know they will be relentless in everything they do,” says Hunter. “They

have got very athletic and dynamic players, who will look to play from

anywhere on the park. They will look to run from their own 22 and try line.

We can’t underestimate them.”

But it looks as if England’s greater depth and planning may prove crucial. “We

knew it was all about peaking on Aug 17,” says Hunter. “It has been very

much about a 26-player squad. There is no way you can get through a World

Cup and ultimately go on to win it if you have only got a team of 15.

“That’s what the coaches have developed – a group of players that whoever you

put on the pitch will perform. The bench might be the difference- the

quality of players is shown by how disappointed those left out are.”

Every England player will be desperate to leave their mark on the final, and

write their own piece of sporting history.

England look to end final heartache in Paris