Beating Australia 'even sweeter' for England's most-capped Hunter

Captain Sarah Hunter has said defeating Australia in their World Cup quarter-final made becoming England's most capped player "even sweeter".

The Red Roses were 41-5 victors in Auckland on a day the veteran number eight achieved her 138th cap. The 37-year-old said after the match: "I think the thing that tops it all off has been the win. That is the focus, we are in knock-out rugby.

"Winning in this means the record-cap number is even sweeter. It has been so surreal, I have had the most amazing support."

The skipper received a standing ovation from both sides when she came off in the 54th minute, saying afterwards that "never in a million years" did she think she would break Rochelle Clark's record.

"I just wanted one cap. I just wanted to play for England. I kept hanging on, it is like an addiction - the feeling to play for your country. Hopefully there is more to come," she said.

The Loughborough Lightning backrower admitted to keeping her mind off the record in the build-up to the Waitakere Stadium clash.

"I've tried not to think about it too much," she told Stan Sport.

"But it's a really special day, and now I can sit back and enjoy it.

"I just want to say thank you to my amazing team-mates and everyone who's supported me throughout my career, from the age of nine to now.

"You know who you are, you've been immensely amazing for me and have made me the person and player I am today, I couldn't have achieved the 138 caps without you, so thank you everyone."

England head coach Simon Middleton remarked on the "difficult" conditions due to heavy rain in the first half, but said his side "managed the game brilliantly".

He added to ITV about his captain: "Sarah Hunter, record performance and that is so Sarah. It would have been so easy