LONDON (AP) — When England players are asked what spurs them for the Women's Rugby World Cup final this Saturday, 2022 is always referenced.
If not for blowing the World Cup final that year to host New Zealand by a measly three points, England's wait for the crown wouldn't be at 11 years. Also, England's staggering string of victories would be unbroken since 2019, instead of at 62 wins in 63 matches.
But that 2022 World Cup stings for Canada, also.
The splinter in Canada's finger is losing the semifinal to England 26-19 in Auckland. Canada had England on the rack but couldn't deliver the coup de grâce. The pain and frustration was all over the face of then-captain Sophie de Goede.
“There was no difference in talent out there today,” she said. “Just imagine what we can do with more game