England Women's Skipper Spencer plays down the hype
Nov
England Women's captain Catherine Spencer insists that this Saturday's England versus New Zealand fixture at Esher RFC, kick off 4pm, is just another international match and England will be taking it in their stride.
England haven't played the world champions since the rugby world cup final in 2006, and in fact haven't beaten the Black Ferns since 2001, so many pundits are predicting this two test series for the world's top two sides will be the most telling match ahead of the women's rugby world cup in London in 2010.
"This is just another international for us, we are not treating it as our biggest game since 2006 or anything like that," said the No. 8, whose side will also play New Zealand on November 21st at Twickenham Stadium in the Investec Challenge Double Header, kick off 445pm. "It's just another match and another international. We will approach this game the same as any other match and follow the path that has always been successful to us in the past."
England go into the match with an impressive record - they have won their last 21 home games and are the reigning RBS 6 Nations champions for four years on the bounce. New Zealand too, though, are equally impressive. They have won the last three world cup finals and have a record breaking winning run in both the men's and women's game of 23 international victories.
"We are well aware that this is a big opportunity for us," added the Bristol player. "They have got an impressive record, and I know that they will have a side full of great rugby players. They will have great game sense, will be comfortable and skilful on the ball, but we have that level of skill too, and despite losing some key players we know that this is a massive opportunity for us to take a step up with one eye on the world cup next year."
England Team
15 Charlotte Barras Saracens
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
13 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
12 Alice Richardson Richmond
11 Fiona Pocock Richmond
10 Katy Mclean (VC) Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
9 Amy Turner Richmond
1 Claire Purdy Wasps
2 Amy Garnett Saracens
3 Sophie Hemming Bristol
4 Rebecca Essex Richmond
5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
6 Heather Fisher Worcester
7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
8 Catherine Spencer (C) Bristol
Replacements:
16 Sam Reeve Worcester
17 Rosemarie Crowley Lichfield
18 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
19 Jane Leonard Team Northumbria / Army
20 La Toya Mason Wasps
21 Rachael Burford Richmond
22 Claire Allan Richmond
