England’s defence was key factor
While on the surface it was England women’s outstanding attack that orchestrated the seven-try 43-12 win over New Zealand last weekend, it was in fact their defence, set piece and the dominance of the forwards that set the platform.
England’s defence was so solid that it forced New Zealand to kick or concede a turnover or penalty. It was the same with their collisions because England got on the front foot to suck in defenders with physical carries, which in turn created space out wide.
Black Ferns were well below par
England lived up to expectations as the No 1 side in the world but New Zealand were way off the mark. They got so tight in defence, allowing England to bypass them in the wide channels, and struggled with their fitness four or five phases later. Their set piece was worrying and they did not have a system to go to in attack.
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Can Harrison fill Daley-McLean’s boots?
There has been much discussion over who will take the reins at
No 10 after Katy Daley-Mclean’s retirement. Last weekend Zoe Harrison was initially shaky, struggling to make touch, but she settled into the game and played well. Has she taken the reins, though? Not yet as she needs to back up this performance. Katy was so consistent week in, week out and Zoe needs to show that. So little separates her and Helena Rowland — also a brilliant No 10 who starts at inside centre tomorrow.
Captain Cleall
When Poppy Cleall played in the 2017 World Cup she was a bit like me at my first World Cup, bumbling along and just happy to be there, but in the past two seasons she has transformed herself. She has grafted so hard and is now the type of player who goes the extra mile. With captain Sarah Hunter on the bench, it is fantastic to see her lead England for the first time tomorrow. She is not a massive talker but she has a presence about her — she is a leader by example who understands the law, knows how to speak with referees and does all the extra 1 per cents in training. It is no wonder that Simon Middleton, the coach, sees her as a potential captain.
New Zealand are still dangerous
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The couple of times Ayesha Leti-I’iga got an opportunity last weekend she made good ground and caused a lot of problems for England. Portia Woodman can also come back into the team and would really revitalise them.
Let us not forget the reasons why New Zealand have been multiple world champions. They fielded nine debutants, it was their first Test in more than two years and they will be the first to admit they were off the mark. They will want to restore pride by tidying up a lot of things — do not expect the same one-sided result tomorrow.
England v New Zealand
Kick-off Tomorrow, 2.45
TV Live, BBC 2
