As we creep ever closer to opening time, English voices grow more concerned.
I’ve asked before: what can possibly go wrong? One curt answer is, the opposition proving better on the day.
But the Red Roses have all the advantages: the top-ranked side for ages, one loss in the last 59 matches, unparalleled strength across the park and record crowds hollering for them up and down the country.
When were they last red-hot favourites? 2014? Probably only going into the final.
Complaints and criticisms
These have centred mainly on the style of play in the pre-Mitchell era, far too much emphasis on forward power. Yet the backs scored showers of tries back in those days too.
Then the conundrum of the latest France match. The pack scored all the tries bar one, the quick-thinking tap by Mo Hunt and the sharp line cut by Meg Jones. A reversion to type?
Oh no! It was all a cunning plan to deceive opponents. In future any forward found guilty of scoring a try will be summarily removed from the field! Sorry, Amy Cokayne, sorry, Lark A-D.
All tries from now on will be scored by players 9-15. I hope that’s satisfied all complainants.
The Eagles match will offer some tasty confrontations. Leading the way, Hope Rogers v Maud Muir up front. Out behind the midfield quartet of Tatyana Heard and Jones v Alev Kelter and Ilona Maher.
A (nearly) full house will only add to the splendour of the occasion.
The last time the two sides met England topped 60 points. I hope the margin will be less this time round.
After that the Red Roses are intent on going the whole way.
Coming fixtures
1. 22 August v USA, Sunderland
2. 30 August v Samoa, Northampton
3. 6 September v Australia, Brighton
