Vickii Cornborough, England prop, believes women’s rugby has soared into the stratosphere.

Zoe Harrison
France and England have emerged as the two Northern Hemisphere powerhouses in women's games.
Venue: Stade Jean Dauger, Bayonne Date: Saturday, April 30, Kick-off: 14:15 BST
Coverage: Watch on BBC Two; listen on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, with live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app.

Vickii Cornborough, England's prop, says that the focus on Saturday's Six Nations final against France shows how women's games have grown in recent years.

If France is defeated, England will win their fourth Six Nations title.

Cornborough said, “It is such an important step change pre-Covid days.” told Rugby Union Weekly.

“It has definitely shot into the stratosphere.”

England played in front a record 15,836-strong crowd at Welford RoadThey have won strong television audiences in previous rounds.

Cornborough said that the rising popularity of women's soccer presents new challenges. England has been planning for a lively atmosphere at the Stade Jean Dauger, as France attempts to end a nine-year streak of defeats to their opponents.

She said, “In France, it feels like you are on top of the crowd in these kinds of stadiums.”

“The noise level is so high that you can barely hear the callers on the line. It is incredible to really listen to the pitches, it is amazing.

“It is something we have considered as a squad. How we will rise to that occasion and challenge.

“It's about us controlling the day, and what we can do on pitch.”

England's last away game ended prematurely but with victory when the floodlights were in Lille failed with the visitors leading 17-15 with 62 minutes on the clock.

France has been within the reach of England's converted try in six of their eight previous matches.

Poppy Cleall, Cornborough’s team-mate, stated that the games had been “so close” that it doesn't feel as if we are going for 10.

“We have defeated them on the day, but it was always so close you can’t really call it.” They play amazing games.”

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