It was about an hour after England had wrapped up an unbeaten Pool A campaign with a 47-7 victory over Australia that vice-captain Meg Jones uttered one of sport’s immutable truths. “We know defence is going to win championships,” the centre underscored, an adaptation of Bear Bryant’s old American football adage becoming a familiar refrain at the Red Roses’ World Cup.
For all of the gaudy scores, scintillating attacking rugby and meaty mauls that England have and will produce across the tournament, the message has been clear that tournament triumph will not be achieved unless founded on the foundations of a rock-solid defensive structure. It is rare to see England tested as rigorously in that regard as they were on Saturday evening by Australia – but despite their set-piece faltering and plenty of issues dealing with the Wallaroos’ smart use of the boot, the Red Roses held firm aside from Adani Talakai’s score from a lineout drive.
