Women’s Rugby World Cup: England have to overcome dangerous Canada in final – Yapp

Kevin Rouet’s Canada may be part-time and had to crowdfund their way to raise the money needed to cover preparation costs for the World Cup but, in their razor-sharp backs and all-round dynamism of their goal-kicking number eight Sophie de Goede, they have the tools – and class – to become world champions.

“They’ve got an ability to adapt their game,” Yapp added.

“They can play tight, they can play wide. Their speed of ball is what makes them extremely challenging to defend against.

“They’re going to be a tough team to beat.”

England, number one in the world, will be favourites for Saturday’s final as they try to extend their record 32-game unbeaten run in the process.

John Mitchell’s side have looked irresistible in tournament so far, with full-back Ellie Kildunne and centre Meg Jones producing some superb performances.

The majority of the 82,000-strong Twickenham crowd will be willing them on and Yapp, who played in 1998, 2002 and was captain when England were runners up in the 2006 tournament, said they should not have a problem handling the pressure and expectation.

“You absolutely go through the same processes you’ve done in every other game but obviously the tensions are there,” she said.

“A sell-out crowd at Twickenham is going to be very special for the players.

“They’ll have spent a lot of time going through it with their sport psychologists over supporting them over how they manage any nerves.

“But they would’ve expected to get to the final so they’ll be very prepared for that.”