‘The Five Best teams in the World’ was the headline flash. The rugby may be reaching classy heights, but there is nothing ‘super’ about the facilities offered for this high-profile tournament. Views of the French side preparing for a match in one of a string of tents, with portaloos lined up outside make you wonder
England/France always brings a special tingle, but the encounter this week takes on new dimensions. England’s team: 15 Sarah McKenna 14 Lydia Thompson 13 Emily Scarratt 12 Amber Reid 11 Kelly Smith 10 Zoe Harrison 9 Leanne Riley 1 Vickii Cornborough 2 Heather Kerr 3 Sarah Bern 4 Cath O’Donnell 5 Abbie Scott 6 Poppy
This was a horrible day at Canterbury for England women’s cricketers. Best not to repeat what passing spectators said about events after the break. They came into the third of the three one-dayers 2-0 down and with Alyssa Healy’s prediction of an Australian whitewash hanging round their necks. Katherine Brunt hadn’t recovered from her ankle
The omens could hardly have been worse for the French. After losing their talismanic No 8 Romane Ménager to injury, Safi N’Diaye suffered an ankle injury that put her out of commission. After losing convincingly to the Maple Leafs, what chance would they have against the all-conquering Black Ferns? Answer: they beat them convincingly 25-16.
Canada brought their A-game to this contest, for the second time running. They were confident enough to run the ball back at the English inside their own 22 and off-load under pressure. Forwards and backs combined well to give the Roses plenty of tackling practice. They opened the scoring through Tyson Beukeboom, on the end
As Simon Middleton said when announcing his team to play Canada in the 3rd round of the Super Series: ‘In any successful squad you need players to demonstrate adaptability’. And his chosen starting XV to face the Maple Leafs is living proof of that requirement: This was the line-up first announced: 15. Sarah McKenna (Saracens
If the first ODI was bitterly disappointing, the second failed to improve matters. First, the news that Sarah Taylor would be a non-starter with an ankle injury. At least England can boast a classy replacement with the gloves in Amy Jones. Danni Wyatt was reinstated in the team. The batting once more flattered to deceive;
How do we stand after two rounds This is the multi-nation tournament like no other, not even the World Cup. Only the top five were invited along. Is it proving to answer all the claims made for it? Questions have been asked about the facilities provided at the event, for players, support staff and even
Canada v France USA v New Zealand – Chula Vista 2 July 2019 The balance of power between the French and the Canadians had grown even tighter. With their loss to New Zealand in Round 1 the Maple Leafs found themselves demoted to fourth position in world rankings, now 0.01 behind les Bleues. What a difference
As England embark on another Ashes adventure, the selectors have opted heavily for experience. In a squad of 14, there was little room left for sentiment, youthful aspiration or chance-taking. Only one player who appeared in the England A team this week, Fran Wilson, has found favour. England’s Ashes Squad with appearances: T ODI
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