Much of the build-up to both of England’s recent games against New Zealand was as if it was a dry run for next year’s World Cup final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
New Zealand have beaten England in back-to-back world finals, but the Red Roses showed their current dominance over them by comfortably winning both of their most recent matches.
Now it seems WXV1 hosts Canada, who ran England close in their World Cup semi-final in 2022, are ready to step into New Zealand’s shoes as the main challenger.
Despite their amateur status, they defeated New Zealand to win the Pacific Four Series earlier this year before recording big WXV victories over France and Ireland to set up a title showdown with England.
They are ranked number two in the world and are on a six-game winning run of their own.
So is Saturday’s decider the actual dress rehearsal for the World Cup final?
Canada will need to produce a near-perfect performance to end England’s winning run but their confidence is building.
Lock Tyson Beukeboom, who played in Canada’s World Cup final loss to England in 2014, this week challenged her side to win next year’s World Cup.
“Canada have always been knocking at that door,” said England captain Marlie Packer, who also played in the 2014 final.
“If you look 10 years ago they were in that World Cup final, they have always been threats.”
Seven players in the hosts’ starting XV play their club rugby in England, with four more named as replacements.
Prop McKinley Hunt and number eight Gabrielle Senft play for Packers’ Saracens, but unlike the England captain – who is centrally contracted with her union – spend most of their time apart from the national side.
“They do a lot of training off their own back because they are very driven and athletic individuals,” Packer added.
“Some of them are great rugby players and you put that with confidence then that is the Canada side we are seeing at the moment.
“They don’t play together as much as us or the other home nations, so that gives us an advantage in the type of game we want to play.”
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