Meg Jones: “We needed this battle” before the Women’s Rugby World Cup final
England center, Meg Jones, has acknowledged that the victory in the semi-final against France was “exactly what we needed” ahead of next week’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final. The Red Roses secured their place in their seventh consecutive final with a 35-17 victory in Bristol, although the score suggests it was an easier match than it actually was for the hosts. France dominated ball possession with 61%, and although England was more effective, they were forced to work hard to achieve their successes, making 231 tackles against France’s 90. Jones, who was their usual standout player with four ball recoveries, stated that this type of battle was what her team was looking for before the final.I asked the girls for one thing, and it was to choose with what intensity they were going to hit and inspire the person next to them. At 100% I believe that’s exactly what we needed. Everyone is always going to have an opinion on how we play and how the game is, but let me tell you that defensive play defines us.
Meg Jones
