| Venue: Mattioli Woods Welford Road, Leicester Date: Sunday, April 24, 2008 Kick-off:12:00 BST |
| Coverage: You can watch BBC Two and listen to BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. Live text commentary is available on the BBC Sport app and website. |
Although England is currently the dominant country in the world, it was almost impossible to see the difference a year ago.
They retained the title but had to make changes.
Louis Deacon was a former lock in England and Leicester. stepped in as forwards coach.
The Red Roses have won record victories over world champions New Zealand and extended their winning streak to 21 consecutive games. They are now working towards a fourth Women’s Six Nations title.
Recent history has shown that few other teams have been as aggressive against England as France 12 month ago.
England’s scrum is strong, and their line out has been a powerful weapon that has led to many of their 31 tries in the last three matches.
Deacon admits that despite the fact that it has had such an impact, they have just scratched their surface.
The 41-year old tells BBC Radio 5 Live’s Rugby Union Weekly that “I believe there’s still more to be done, that’s what’s exciting.”
France will be the ‘ultimate testing’
Although the scrum is now stronger than it was before, England will continue to strive for perfection.
They have won three of the six opposition scrums so far, lost two, and conceded three scrum penalties.
They have won 45 of their opponents’ line-outs and taken seven, with Wales being the only side that was able to take one back.
Deacon said that “the scrum had improved massively” but believes that much will depend on England’s performance on their trip to France at end of the month. Many expect this to be the Women’s Six Nations decider.
He says, “The ultimate test will not be France.” “The scrum is a crucial area for them, if you look at their game.
“We have some strategies that we believe will help us against their power in that scrum.”
“My focus is on the World Cup”
England takes on Ireland at Leicester’s Mattioli woods Welford Road to continue their unbeaten streak in the Six Nations.
Deacon feels it’s a homecoming he couldn’t have imagined.
He had previously been part of Coventry’s coaching team in the men’s Championship when he was invited into the England set up.
He was able to earn 29 England caps and make 274 appearances for Leicester from 2000 to 2015, so it is not surprising that he coaches with the Tigers like his younger brother Brett.
Deacon said that playing for Leicester was his boyhood dream, and he would love to coach the team again. However, Deacon has only one thing on his mind right now.
He says that the World Cup is his main focus and will begin in New Zealand on October 8.
“This is my greatest goal right now and I will do everything I can to make it happen.
Expect a record crowd in Leicester. They will likely surpass the 14,689 mark set in Gloucester in April. Deacon will be greeted warmly by them.
He says, “It’s an amazing stadium to play in.” It will be an amazing sight to see a large crowd at Welford Road.
“I haven’t been back there as a coach so that will be really wonderful.”