Wedding tradition dictates that it is poor form for the bridesmaid to be sporting a white dress but in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, England are used to be being upstaged. In each of the last six editions of the tournament, the team now commonly known as the Red Roses have reached the World Cup final; only once have they been celebrating in glorious rugby union at its end.
But there is hope that a road pockmarked with mistakes and misfortune may be at an end as England’s day of destiny arrives. Where New Zealand could count on a home crowd three years ago in Auckland, this time the 82,000 guests arrive at England’s invitation to a southwest London venue ready to bounce to a new beat and celebrate the changing face of a game unlocking new audiences. The Red Roses have not lost since the Black Ferns stole their thunder – and lineout – at Eden Park; turn a record 32 game unbeaten run into 33 and they will finally have the grand prize to truly crown their dominance.
