Hot favourites England burning to make up for 2022 heartache

LONDON :One decision not to kick for goal, one stolen lineout, one more lost final - whatever anyone in the England camp is saying, it is impossible not to look at this year's Women's Rugby World Cup through the prism of what happened in Auckland three years ago.

England's dominance before and after that fateful day at Eden Park has been extraordinary and they go into Friday's opening match against the United States having won 57 of their last 58 matches.

But the one that got away, and more importantly the way it got away, ensures there will always be that nagging doubt if, as expected, the Big Two meet again in the 82,000 sold-out Twickenham final on September 27.

England were cruising at 14-0 up before a red card and, in a see-saw match, trailed 34-31 entering the final minute. Awarded a very kickable penalty that would have taken the game to extra time, England instead opted for a lineout.

It seemed a logical decision after their driving maul had been - and continues to be - such a fearsome weapon, with New Zealand usually staying on the ground to try to defend it and usually failing as England scored four tries with it.

This time, however, they opted to compete and Joanah Ngan-Woo wrote her name in Black Fern history by grabbing the ball to secure New Zealand's sixth title - five of them coming after beating England in the final.

Most of the tearful Red Roses are on duty again this time round, including Emily Scarratt who will be playing in her fifth tournament, while they are now coached by vastly experienced Kiwi John Mitchell.

His challenge has been to keep England on edge, even as they pummel everyone they come up against, which he says has been achieved by creating fierce internal competition for places and "embracing