Abbie Ward’s life has been transformed since England’s last World Cup final appearance but, in some ways, little has changed. While motherhood has taught her that, in theory, there are bigger things to worry about than a game of rugby, there is no disguising that victory on Saturday would be the sweetest of redemption stories.
Three years ago in Auckland it all came down to the final lineout of a spectacular final: secure possession to set up a familiar driving maul and the trophy would be heading the way of the Red Roses. Instead New Zealand nicked the ball off Ward’s fingertips and, for a second successive tournament, England and their relentless lock forward had to settle for honourable defeat.
