England face physical battle with Black Ferns but ‘best is yet to come’

England coach Simon Middleton says his side face a huge physical challenge against New Zealand in today’s World Cup final but insists it’s one they can rise to.

Middleton believes the Black Ferns are much improved on the side England defeated down under earlier in the summer. But he is sure his side have also made strides forward since that 29-21 win in Rotorua in June.

Today’s clash in Belfast pits the best two women’s teams in the world against each other. England are going for back-toback titles after their triumph in 2014, while New Zealand are aiming for a fifth crown.

Middleton acknowledged that England face a huge challenge. He said: “They are a physical side, they have got some great talent and they like to get on the front foot – that is when they are at their very best, so it’s going to a really tough game and we’re just looking forward to it.”

Asked if he believed the Kiwis had improved following June’s defeat, he said: “Like every side they have developed as they have gone through the tournament and they have been outstanding as an attacking and a defensive force.

“They have been incredible, scored some great tries, they have obviously moved the game on from where we played, but I would like to think we have as well – so it’s pretty evenly matched.”

Captain Sarah Hunter predicted England’s best performance would come in the final and said form, rankings and past results would not count.

“I think getting into the World Cup final for any squad is the ultimate test,” she said.

“Past form really goes out the window, we are not thinking about what games we have won recently or what games we have fallen short in or what has gone in World Cups beforehand.”

Hunter said the mood in the camp was similar to that in 2014 – relaxed and confident. “We have the confidence in ourselves and the ability of what this squad really can do,” she said. “Every time we have taken to the field we have got better and stronger and there is a feeling that we still have our best game to come.”