Not since Martin Johnson carried the Webb Ellis Cup into the Sydney sky in 2003 has an English rugby union squad in the southern hemisphere been so close to World Cup victory. Similarly, if the Red Roses can enter a select group, it will be a momentous occasion and certainly position them among the greatest women’s teams of all time.
Before any of these discussions can begin, though, a game must be won. In September, the head coach, Simon Middleton, admitted that there could be no excuses in New Zealand for a squad that has enjoyed full-time contracts for a longer duration than any of their competitors.
Despite the remarkable progress of the Black Ferns, England has now won 30 consecutive Tests. Hence Middleton’s confident tone on a bright day in Bagshot around seven weeks ago: “We must win. We’ve never had a team with more preparation and depth than this one.
Middleton had stated before the tournament that he wanted England to be regarded as the “greatest team in the world, across all sports.” The moment of truth has now arrived. On the eve of their defining 80 minutes, the Red Roses will trade such grandiose discourse for the ugliest of victories provided it guarantees their safe arrival in the promised land.
Although a stylistic confrontation between England’s hard-edged forwards and New Zealand’s fluid runners is inevitable, the game could also hinge on whose team gets off to the quickest start. Should the Black Ferns take an early lead, the hosts could show to be formidable opponents.
Nonetheless, being in and around the England squad hotel this week has been informative. Sarah Hunter, captain of the Red Roses, has felt “a sense of peace” and a collective resolve to play fearlessly.
Middleton has also sounded comfortable, even taking a little jab at a New Zealand team that he believes may struggle to maintain composure. “I believe it will be more daunting for them,” he opined when asked if the Eden Park factor could affect the outcome. Losing in front of the home crowd is difficult, therefore the pressure on them is enormous.
His opponent, Wayne Smith, was properly amused when he heard this soundbite: “He’s attempting to put pressure on an old man… I’ve been coaching for 36 years, he’s a rookie,” but he opted to praise the Red Roses.
We’re playing the best team in the world, so we’ll need to be at our best,” said the longtime coach, whose seaside retirement awaits after this weekend’s game. “I was a member of an All Blacks squad that won 18 consecutive games, so to have won 30 is tough to comprehend.”
A classic conclusion, whatever the outcome, would contribute to the continued growth of the women’s game, with a crowd of more than 40,000 expected to contribute to a game-changing event. Ruby Tui, the Black Ferns’ dynamic winger, remarked in 2010 that no one was familiar with the team.
“We were told we would never be compensated. It was stated that we will never play at Eden Park. We were told women’s rugby didn’t matter. And now, 12 years later, Eden Park is sold out, brother. This is a very, truly special moment. “Usually, Kiwis are so laid-back that we’re lying down, but we’ve finally gotten up.”
Tui is a sports promoter’s dream, as confirmed by Smith, who has worked with tens of thousands of male and female athletes over the course of his lengthy career. Former All Blacks captain: “She is terrific.” “She would be one of the top 10 athletes I’ve worked with if I were to write a book. She is a remarkable person who deserves everything she gets.”
However, the Olympic sevens gold medalist will be competing against opponents who are also cultivating a unique aura. It appears that fate is also at work. Decades ago, a young Middleton, who at the time was playing for his hometown club Knottingley, near Pontefract, attended a coaching workshop held by the renowned Smith.
Now he’s in the World Cup final, testing his wits against the great man. While England has not been flawless in this tournament, they may be keeping their greatest performance until the end.
