.png)
1 month ago
16
Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
This is a great piece from Andy Bull.
The standout line: “It’s a sign a sport has matured that everyone involved is able to be honest about what everyone’s watching, instead of celebrating the simple fact that so many people are.”
Canada made light work of Wales.
Read our report here:
Samoa team
The Samoans, nicknamed the Manusina after the white tern found across the archipelago, are an eclectic bunch.
Among the ranks there is a primary school teacher, a nurse, a police officer and a roofer. They’ve had to fundraise simply to take part in the World Cup. In truth, they stand little chance of an upset.
But they’ll compete with pride. And if they can get their number eight Nina Foaese on the ball they’ll cause the English defence some problems.
There’s little expectation which gives them licence to go out and enjoy what could be the best day of their rugby lives, playing in front of a packed stadium, testing themselves against a squad of professionals. A couple of tries and some big tackles will live long in the memory.
Samoa: Karla Wright-Akeli; Davina Lasini, Keilamarita Pouri Lane, Fausa Makisi, Linda Fiafia, Harmony Vatau, Ana Afuie; Denise Ailupotea, Faith Nonutunu, Glory Aiono Samuelu, Christabelle Onesemo, Demielle Onesemo, Utumalam Atonio, Sui Tausa Pauaraisa (c), Nina Foaese.
Replacements: Cathy Lulu Leuta, Ti Tauasosi, Tori Iosefo, Analise Sio, Madisen-Jade Iva, Saelua Leaula, Taytana Pati Ah Cheung, Michelle Curry.
England team
The Red Roses will have to navigate the rest of the group stage without their skipper, Zoe Aldcroft.
The talismanic lock sustained a knee injury in the opening night win over the USA and joins Emily Scarratt (shoulder) and Holly Aitchison (ankle) on the injury list.
Marlie Packer makes her first appearance of the tournament this afternoon and is one of 13 changes to the team that opened the account last Friday. The 35-year-old battering ram will captain the team in her fourth World Cup campaign.
Megan Jones keeps her place at outside centre having played all 80 minutes against the Eagles and partners Jade Shekels in midfield. Helena Rowland gets a chance to show her stuff at fly-half.
England: Emma Sing; Jess Breach, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Megan Jones, Jade Shekells, Helena Rowland, Lucy Packer; Kelsey Clifford, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Lilli Ives Campion, Rosie Galligan, Abi Burton, Marlie Packer (c), Maddie Feaunati.
Replacements: May Campbell, MacKenzie Carson, Maud Muir, Morwenna Talling, Sadia Kabeya, Natasha Hunt, Zoe Harrison, Ellie Kildunne.
Preamble
Daniel Gallan
There isn’t a more dominant team in any sport than the Red Roses.
If you know of a bigger gap between first and second in any other ecosystem I’m all ears. The simple truth is that England should win this World Cup at a canter. That is not meant to be disrespectful to the other teams. It’s just recognising the financial, emotional and cultural investment in the women’s game by the RFU and how, across every metric, they’ve left their competitors in their dust.
Our correspondent on the ground, Sarah Rendell, has said that a Samoan victory today would be “one of the biggest ever upsets”. She’s under selling it. It would be THE BIGGEST upset in any sport ever.
That doesn’t mean that England should go out there and play in second gear. Despite the 69-7 scoreline in their opening win over USA, they weren’t perfect. A flawless show here this afternoon would underline the team’s supremacy.
A win won’t do. A bonus point won’t do. Even a cricket score won’t do. What England need is an 80 minute performance where things click, where shapes form on attack and systems function as they should on defence. Line-outs, mauls and scrums need to thrum with mechanical efficiency. Kicks and passes need to land where they’re aimed.
Will it all come together? We’ll find out when things get going at 5pm BST in Northampton.
Teams, updates and other bits to come.
