Rugby-Anglo-French blockbuster highlights second World Cup weekend

(Reuters) - After emerging triumphant from a journey into the unknown in their tournament-opener last weekend, England face a more familiar foe in the shape of France on Saturday in the highlight of the second weekend of the women's Rugby World Cup.

England's 84-19 demolition of Fiji at Eden Park last weekend in their first match against the Pacific islanders did nothing to dispel the notion that the Red Roses are heavy favourites to lift the trophy on Nov. 12.

The win extended their winning streak to 26 matches but it is the French who have come closest to ending that run over the last three years in defeats by 12, four and six points in their last three meetings in the Six Nations.

"Whether it be one win or 10 wins, it doesn't make a difference, it's a huge game," England coach Simon Middleton said after making one change to the team that trounced Fiji.

"This side won't take any motivating, they know what it is about. It's a Rugby World Cup match, it's two of the bigger hitters in the competition."

France also opened with a comfortable win at Eden Park last Saturday, racing to a big early lead against South Africa and finishing strongly for a 40-5 victory, and will be confident ahead of what looks like a Pool C decider in Whangarei.

Hosts New Zealand return to action against Wales at Waitakere Stadium in the Auckland suburbs on Sunday, looking for a more authoritative performance than they gave in their 41-17 win over Australia last week.

Coach Wayne Smith put their poor start down to opening night jitters but was clear that the Black Ferns would need a major improvement up front to challenge the powerful England pack down the track.

"They're the standard, so we're not that level yet, we've still got time up our sleeves,