England head into the Women's Rugby World Cup Final against Canada insisting they will not be weighed down by the memories of 2022. Hooker Lark Atkin-Davies says the Red Roses have learned the right lessons from that 34-31 defeat to New Zealand, while former captain Sarah Hunter has cautioned against overcomplicating the biggest week of their season. A sold-out Twickenham is set to deliver a record-breaking attendance and a thunderous backdrop for a showpiece occasion.
Lessons from 2022 — without dwelling on the past
At Eden Park three years ago, England suffered a heartbreaking loss in the final to the Black Ferns. Atkin-Davies, who came off the bench that day, believes those experiences have hardened the Red Roses for the challenge that awaits.
“You can reflect and learn from it but it's made us ready for now,” said Atkin-Davies. “From a personal perspective, massive learnings from it. I don't think you can dwell on it because you have to be in the moment. You have to play the game in front of you… You have to be focused on what is ahead.”
That forward-looking mindset has been a theme in England’s camp this week. The squad speak of being a “very different” team to the one that fell just short in 2022, with a renewed clarity around preparation and performance.
Sarah Hunter’s warning: don’t “chase too many rabbits”
Sarah Hunter, a Red Roses great and astute voice in the English game, offered a simple message: keep things clear, simple and controllable. Her warning against “chasing too many rabbits” underlines the danger of cluttering the week with distractions or tactical overreach. The task, in her view, is to narrow the focus and execute.
That approach will resonate in a final where composure is currency. England’s leadership group, set-piece operators and decision-makers will be central to setting the tone early and managing the game’s critical moments.
Canada stand in the way at a record-breaking Twickenham
Saturday’s final will unfold in front of a sold-out Twickenham, with an attendance set to break new ground for the women’s game. The occasion is a landmark — and a reminder of the Red Roses’ drawing power at home — but the message from within the squad is clear: embrace the noise, then block it out.
Canada, disciplined and combative, provide a stern test. England will need accuracy at the lineout, physicality in contact, and calmness under pressure — the fundamentals that often decide finals.
Key talking points
- England’s 2022 heartbreak has informed, not defined, their 2025 campaign.
- Lark Atkin-Davies stresses presence and clarity: play the game in front of you.
- Sarah Hunter’s mantra: avoid overcomplication and stay on task.
- Sold-out Twickenham set to deliver a landmark atmosphere for the women’s game.
What to watch for
Expect England to lean on leadership, control territory and trust their structures. Canada will look to disrupt rhythm and turn pressure into points. In a final of fine margins, the team that stays truest to its identity will likely prevail.
