England look to defy history as they face New Zealand on Saturday in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
The two teams have met in four of the last five finals, with New Zealand coming out on top on each occasion, but the Red Roses will go into the clash at Eden Park in Auckland confident of upsetting the hosts.
Simon Middleton’s side made it 30 Test wins in a row when they beat Canada in the semi-finals, Abby Dow chipping in with a brilliant try in that win, and they go into the World Cup final as favourites.
England’s victory over Canada by seven points was a tense one, though it was nothing compared to New Zealand beating France 25-24 to just about edge into the showpiece event. France fly-half Caroline Drouin missed a last-gasp penalty.
The two best teams in the world now go head-to-head, in what looks set to be a match worthy of the huge occasion. England appear to have everything required to become world champions for a third time.
How to watch England vs New Zealand
TV channel: In the UK, Sunday’s final is being broadcast live free-to-air on ITV, with coverage beginning at 6am GMT ahead of a 6:30am kick-off time.
