So with under 2 weeks to go until the start of the 2014 Womens Rugby World Cup in France, excitement is certainly building.
The defending champions are the New Zealand Black Ferns, and they will be hoping for a similar success to that they had in 2010 after beating England at the Twickenham Stoop in a very fiercely contested but nail biting 13-10 win.
Question is, can they be stopped? History says otherwise, as the Black Ferns have been World Champions for the past 16 years, at the last four world cups. An incredible achievement, but can this run continue?
England have been the final opponents for the Black Ferns in the last 3 finals. Could they be forth time lucky and win the World Cup for the first time since 1994, a 20 year heartache for which the girls I doubt, will not need reminding of. What more motivation do you need than that.
England’s dominance of the 6 Nations has loosened over the last 2 seasons with Ireland and France winning the tournament and with France having home soil advantage, who’s to say that they might take the crown and join England and the USA in becoming only the 3rd northern hemisphere side to win the holy grail of women’s rugby.
I’m sure the likes of South Africa, Australia, Canada, Wales and others will have plenty to say about that.
With teams playing warm up matches over the last few weeks, and in the coming days, they will be focusing on fine tuning their set piece and getting their fitness up-to speed. I’m sure come the start of the tournament, teams will be raring to go, and show the world exactly what they have to offer. A world stage, with global TV coverage to showcase their talent and most importantly help women’s rugby grow further.
Personally I hope England can win it, but if not, at the end of the day, I know that rugby itself will be the overall winner.
For those who don’t know the dates they are 01/08/14 – 17/08/14, with group games in Marcoussis and Semi-Finals, 3/4th and Final at Stade Jean Bouin, Paris.
If you want to be there, head over to http://www.ticketnet.fr and search ‘rugby’ – tickets priced €5-€25. Superb value for money.
Good Luck to everyone taking part. #rugbyfamily
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