Like the men’s team, England’s women head into the Six Nations as World Cup runners-up. Skipper Catherine Spencer talks to www.rucked.com about dealing with the pressure…
Plenty of pressure on the England side this year?
Yeah, we’re going for our third Grand Slam now and we’ve also reached the World Cup final so we are favourites but we can only take each game as it comes.
How different is this side to the one that reached the final?
It is a different team from the World Cup, we can’t hide that fact. There’s a few of us who were lucky enough to be there but there’s a lot of youngster coming through now who were knocking on the door at the time of the World Cup. It’s a young side but there’s still lots of experience in it.
What did the World Cup do for women’s rugby?
Women’s rugby had been on the up for a few years but the final was watched by people who’d never seen the women’s game and it did a lot for us. The number of girls playing rugby schools is on the up as a result so it can only be good for the game. We know the standards of rugby that we can play but people were pessimistic and surprised when they’d watched the World Cup final and, indeed, through the whole tournament. Hopefully those same people will watch the Six Nations and be suitably impressed.
Is there a lot of good talent coming through?
There is it’s keeping us older girls on our toes. The under-20s have got some fantastic players and within the senior squad the average age seems to be getting younger by the day.
What’s the key clash for England in the Six Nations?
We’ve obviously got France away and although we’ve beaten them for the last two years, they beat us the two years before that. Italy in Italy is going to be a tough game too, this will be our first time going over there. But you can’t count any of the teams out of contention, a lot of sides are going through rebuilds so you don’t know what to expect – it’s going to be exciting!
Anything less than first is going to be a let down isn’t it?
I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t the case – we want to go out and win every game. Of course, every team that enters the Six Nations is the same. Any team could win it on the day, but I’m hoping it’s going to be us.
Does it get harder every year?
It does. I’m sure we’re increasing our skill and talent as a team every year but so is every other side. You have to get fitter and stronger – you have to always increase your levels.
Who’s going to be key for England this year?
You have to mention Maggie Alphonsi at openside – I’m lucky enough to play in the back row beside her. She’s a great player and she’ll certainly be one to look out for.
England’s fixtures
2nd February
England v Wales, 2.30pm, London Irish Amateur RFC, Middlesex
9th February
Italy v England, 2.30pm, Stadio Tre Fontane, Rome
23rd February
France v England, 4pm, St Gratien, nr Paris
8th March
Scotland v England, 12pm, Meggetland Stadium, Edinburgh
15th March
England v Ireland, 4.45pm, London Irish Amateur RFC, Middlesex
