It is the WXV title decider, with both teams unbeaten in the opening two rounds. Hosts Canada comfortably defeated France and Ireland, with England cruising past France and New Zealand.
It has been impressive first year in charge for John Mitchell. England won another Six Nations Grand Slam at a canter before an impressive warmup series heading into the WXV tournament.
The litmus test is next year's World Cup where they will have to cope with red hot levels of pressure and expectation on home turf. Three years ago they were favourites for the World Cup but came up short in the final against New Zealand.
Defence is Mitchell's primary concern. A fast start by the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium last month in their WXV warm-up put the Red Roses on the back foot as they struggled with powerful runners such as Ayesha Leti-I'iga. But when teams have piled on pressure, the Red Roses have been ruthless in taking opportunities down the other end, often scoring against the run of play.
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Denne historien er fra October 13, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Ring fence has made English rugby go soft
THE most positive aspect to come out of the opening round of the European Cup was that, despite six out of the eight English clubs losing, it can get better and relatively quickly.
The global travellers who light up game
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Battling Bath looking to revive cup campaign
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Off-target Gloucester get lesson in finishing
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We're happy to be the hunted, says Beckett
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Heard takes charge to keep out Sarries
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Hellfire Corner gives a warm welcome to all
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My fierce Tigers are roaring-Howison
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Brave Lupus banking on Mo'unga class
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Oyonnax must live without El-Abd
OYONNAX’S seven-try 53-10 bonus-point win over ProD2 rivals Soyaux-Angouleme on Friday – their first victory since October 25 – was a relief in more ways than one. In fact, relief probably doesn’t cover it.
