England v France: Simon Middleton demands perfection from World Cup favourites Red Roses

England head coach Simon Middleton readily accepts that the Red Roses’ World Cup appointment with France is “a huge game” in terms of their tournament aspirations.
By YP Sport
Published 14th Oct 2022, 17:15 BST

Middleton’s team tackle France in Whangarei on Saturday (8.00am UK time), a week after opening their campaign by beating Fiji 84-19.

France, world-ranked number four, began their World Cup quest in New Zealand by crushing South Africa 40-5.

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And, while England will be favourites to post a 27th successive Test victory against all opponents, Middleton knows that a big challenge awaits.

Scarborough's Zoe Aldcroft of England breaks a tackle to score a try during the Pool C Rugby World Cup 2021 New Zealand match between Fiji and England at Eden Park on October 08, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images)Scarborough's Zoe Aldcroft of England breaks a tackle to score a try during the Pool C Rugby World Cup 2021 New Zealand match between Fiji and England at Eden Park on October 08, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Scarborough's Zoe Aldcroft of England breaks a tackle to score a try during the Pool C Rugby World Cup 2021 New Zealand match between Fiji and England at Eden Park on October 08, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images)

“France will have a few differences to their game that we have to be aware of and be really conscious of in terms of how we go about playing,” he said.

“We know against France there will be other challenges to when we play other sides.

“Whether we are on 10 wins or 10 losses, it doesn’t make a difference.

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“It is a World Cup pool game, it’s a huge game, so our focus is very much on being the best version of ourselves and getting our game on the field.”

England skipper Sarah Hunter will become her country’s joint most-capped international, with a 137th Test appearance putting her alongside prop Rocky Clark.

Hunter will be joined in the back row by Saracens’ Marlie Packer, who replaces Sadia Kabeya at openside flanker as a solitary change from the Fiji encounter. There are also places in the team for Scarborough lock Zoe Aldrcroft and Keighley full-back Ellie Kildunne. Middleton added: “Our aim was always to field a consistent side for our opening two matches.

Related topics:FranceEnglandSarah Hunter