This is how we reached the biggest RWC final ever to take place: Canada thumped New Zealand under lights 34-19. England beat France less convincingly the next day 35-17.
It means a second final between the two successful nations, with an unparalleled audience in the largest rugby stadium in the world and a vast global TV audience.
In the semis Canada proved their right to their ranking; the Kiwis failed to beat them for the third time running.
Canada looked more cohesive than the English. They play at pace, their ruck-speed has reduced to milli-seconds; they have a great awareness of space. They have earned the praise that many Kiwis have offered them.
Who needs a well-funded squad to achieve great things?
England win their semi-final against France (Photo: Alex Davidson – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
England by contrast are not yet running at full throttle. A 7-5 half-time lead at Bristol spoke volumes. Two Ellie Kildunne solos and an in-off-the-post try for Meg Jones gave the final score a margin that had seemed improbable. The staff have plenty to work on.
How does the final look from here?
It will be an unforgettable experience for all concerned. England have home advantage; will that be a certain asset for them, or can the possibility of defeat weigh on them?
Canada’s all-round game will test the Red Roses to the utmost. The battle up front will be gladiatorial. Out behind the Maple Leafs have speed, guile and power to daunt the best.
We still don’t know the identity of the referee. Plenty of anonymous criticism has come the way of the top refs in the world. It will need calm nerves and a steady heartbeat to control what may prove a tight game.
Weather
Both the semis were played with a wet ball. That increased the number of unforced errors and diminished the spectacle.
The forecast for Saturday is for 23% rain – make of that what you will. We must hope for a dry day.
Selections
Kevin Rouet almost certainly knows his strongest line-up, but, like John Mitchell, will be scanning casualty lists with a concerned eye. In his case Caroline Crossley suffered a leg injury. Likewise Kildunne was limping long before the end.
We can’t assume every player will report fit, which would be a huge shame for them. This is the biggest game of all.
I sense Rouet is less likely to make unforced changes than Mitchell, in whose case positions 2, 4, 9 and 12 may still be up for discussion.
History
It’s firmly on England’s side. Canada have beaten them only three times, the last in 2016. But there was that famous 13-13 draw at the 2014 RWC that allowed England to take the title in another tight-fought game Emily Scarratt scored a famous try to save her side’s bacon.
The fatigue the Maple Leafs felt then is less likely this time; so many of their players are used to the weekly grind of the English PWR and the French Elite 1, and they have had an extra day to recuperate.
England cannot afford another 40-minute game or other similar lapses. In the France match their back-line didn’t function at its best.
Canada are the worthiest opponents for the hot favourites.
England are unbeaten at Twickenham.
