Hunter is told to go for the kill
ENGLAND captain Dylan Hartley is backing his Red Rose counterparts to win the World Cup tonight in Belfast.
Sarah Hunter’s world champions take on fierce rivals New Zealand at the Kingspan Stadium in a fitting finale to the highestprofile tournament in the history of women’s rugby.
And after they beat the Black Ferns in New Zealand this summer for the first time in 16 years, England’s women are Hartley’s tips to retain the trophy.
“I’m envious that they get to play a World Cup final,” said Hartley. “It has not just come about, they’ve been working very hard for a long time. They’ve had a plan and they’re executing it, so I’m chuffed to bits for them
“We’re immensely proud of them. No doubt beating New Zealand in New Zealand will have given them the confidence to win.
“New Zealand will have a burning ambition as well but I’m confident our girls can do it.”
The priority for England will be to stop try machine Portia Woodman, who has touched down 13 times in four matches in the tournament. But there is no sense of fear. “We’re very relaxed – we’ve got confidence in ourselves and in our abilities,” said captain Hunter. “Every time we’ve taken to the field we’ve got better and stronger and there’s a feeling that we have our best game to come. We want to be peaking in a World Cup final. “We’ve prepared the best we can and we have every scenario covered.” England have made one enforced change from the semi-final victory over France, with Emily Scarratt switched to full-back in the place of a concussed Danielle Waterman.
Meg Jones is brought into the back line in Scarratt’s place.
With only four days between the semi-final and final there was no chance of Waterman fulfilling the return-to-play protocols.
Coach Simon Middleton said: “All teams have had setbacks in this competition. It’s just how you deal with them. We’re really confident in our squad.
“Emily could play anywhere. She is an accomplished full-back and I’ve no doubt she’ll do well.”