| Location: Waitakere Stadium, Auckland Date: Sunday, 23 October Kick-off: 05:45 BST |
| Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. Live text commentary online |
Sarah McKenna, England’s back, has asked the Red Roses for a sharp cutting edge against South Africa when they face them in their final pool match.
Simon Middleton, the coach, warned his side. they were “one bounce of the ball” Despite holding 70% of territory, and 67% of possession, victory is not possible.
McKenna said, “It’s important to go in with a third win. But it is really important how we get that victory.”
“The only way to execute is better at finishing than in the France match.”
McKenna is among eight players who may be eligible to claim a place in the knockout stage after having missed the first two matches.
Middleton only made one change to matchday squad that beat Fiji in the first weekend of England’s victory over France.
He will identify his side to face South Africa Thursday evening UK Time.
England, which has won 27 straight games, has not played South Africa since 2013, when it was ranked 13th in world rankings.
In 2021, the Springbok Women fought an England under-20 squad and won 38-5.
“We are playing an England squad of superstars, so it will be important not to get too excited about your opponent’s status, but to believe in the team effort,” stated Tayla Kinsey of South Africa, as her side tries to rebound from losses to France and Fiji.
“Catha Jacobs (Saracens), and Zintle Mupha (Exeter Chiefs), did play in the Premier 15,s so they can provide us with more information about our opponents, if we wish. But ultimately, we must focus on ourselves first.
Assisting the support staff
McKenna coordinates the Red Roses’ social activities. However, McKenna admitted that the Red Roses had the most enjoyable off-field experience in New Zealand so far.
England’s physio Kate Tyler was due to run London Marathon before she was called up for the tournament.
Instead, she ran 26.2 kilometres around Whangarei with her teammates cheering her on.
McKenna stated, “We all got together behind it and made lots o posters, gave her a podium at finish and lots o banners to run through,”
“That was really enjoyable. It was great to support someone else for the first time. It is a great feeling to be able to support another person and their accomplishments. This can make you very happy.
