England’s 23 to take on the World Champions
After years of waiting and guessing, now at last we discover the management’s idea of the ideal England team.
Here is the squad for the game that really matters:
15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 30 caps)
14. Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors, 57 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 107 caps)
12. Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 14 caps)
11. Abby Dow (Wasps, 29 caps)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 45 caps)
9. Leanne Infante (Saracens, 57 caps)
1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 74 caps)
2. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 69 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 37 caps)
5. Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 60 caps)
6. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 55 caps)
7. Marlie Packer (Saracens, 88 caps)
8. Sarah Hunter (captain, Loughborough Lightning, 139 caps)
Bench:
16. Lark Davies (Bristol Bears, 43 caps)
17. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 16 caps)
18. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins, 29 caps)
19. Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 23 caps)
20. Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 62 caps)
21. Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 7 caps)
22. Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 23 caps)
23. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 8 caps)
Of course Simon Middleton did not have a completely open field to choose from; injuries were almost bound to take their effect. Sadly Helena Rowland becomes the top-choice player to miss out, unable to recover in time. Ellie Kildunne takes her place, no surprise to New Zealanders who saw her perform against the Black Ferns on the European tour.
Two significant changes: first Lydia Thompson is restored to the wing, where she has caused pain to Kiwi defences in the past. Her own defensive skills may have played a large part in her choice; second, Holly Aitchison returns to the pivotal position of 12. This reintroduces the system of a 10-12 axis that Rowland and Zoe Harrison had provided. For all her skills Tatyana Heard couldn’t offer the same sort of midfield balance. And all this means that Jess Breach, once the most obvious choice on the wing, misses out again.
Up front, Hannah Botterman has the misfortune to be in the same position as Rowland. Last week’s injury proved too serious.
The only other doubt was whether Lark Davies might be restored to the No 2 shirt. She isn’t, but adds to the strength of the bench. Cath O’Donnell deserves huge credit for gaining the reserve spot at lock. She has fought back after a long battle over injury. But then, which of the squad of 33 has not known such privation?
Once more the number of caps on display takes the breath away. Vickii Cornborough will post three-quarters of a century, and just two of the 23 are still in single figures. That may yet be a defining advantage for the Red Roses. And they will be far more familiar with Hollie Davidson’s ways than the Ferns.
By the way, congratulations to her on her appointment. It had looked highly likely from the moment her name was glaringly absent from the semi-final lists.
The Black Ferns
Injuries have affected the Black Ferns too. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, their impressive young No 8, is ruled out with a bad thumb. The squad has just been announced. A possible first World Cup start for Kennedy Simon, the co-captain will not happen; she stays on the bench. Instead the experienced Charmine Mcmenamin will hold the pack together at No 8.
This is likely to be Kendra Cocksedge’s swan-song after a record 67 appearances. Will she get the better of Leanne Infante this time? She came off second best in last year’s scuffles.
World-wide Attention
Here’s how far the final is attracting attention: Orkney RFC are providing breakfast at half-time. Can you get there in time?
Some stats from the past
The two sides have met 28 times before this final. The balance stands 18-10 in the Black Ferns’ favour. They have met at Eden Park only twice; scores 29-10 (2013) and 33-8 (2005) in New Zealand’s favour.
But of all visiting nations England have by far the best record of wins in Aotearoa.
It’s quite a thought that among the 46 players to reach this peak of excellence, there are a few, a very few, who have achieved it four times.
