England break rugby world record against Wales – but who missed their big chance?
The TelegraphAfter months of preparation, England’s players have one last chance to stick their hand up for a place in Simon Middeton’s 32-strong World Cup squad when they face Wales tonight. A win at Ashton Gate would see England make history as the first Test nation from the men’s or women’s game to win 25 matches on the bounce – but never before has the spotlight on individual player performances been so intense. Natasha Hunt, a 2014 World Cup winner, is England’s best kicking scrum half by a country mile and adds a different dimension to England’s territorial game. Rowland’s place looks secure because she will double up as a fly-half if Zoe Harrison gets injured – but there’s less certainty over who might get the nod between Heard and Reed, with the latter having endured a torrid time with injury in recent seasons.