Maggie Alphonsi urges England Women to put France under pressure
Thursday 5 November 2015 16:20, UK
Former England flanker and World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi has urged England to attack from the front against France on Saturday.
England Women have had a mixed season and head into the autumn Test on the back of a disappointing Six Nations campaign.
They finished fourth with two victories from their five matches, while France came second with four wins, including a 21-15 defeat of England at Twickenham in March.
Alphonsi told Sky Sports News HQ: "The team has had an up-and-down season. There are a lot of new young players and a new coaching set up.
"They need to go out and show what they can do under pressure against a big team as the World Cup is two years away."
Alphonsi said: "She's a very good winger and has got confidence.
"France have good players across the board, the team need to match them physically up front, run them around, tire them out and the opportunities to make breaks will come.
"France need to be put under pressure, England have good ball carriers like Hannah Gallagher, they need to try and get the ball to the wingers as gaps will open up."
Alphonsi retired from international rugby in September 2014 following the victory against New Zealand in the World Cup.
The 31-year-old turned her attention to the shot put and is hoping to compete at the Olympics in Rio next summer.
"At the moment, the shot put has taken a back seat as I was one of the pundits for the men's World Cup and I love rugby a lot. I have tried to redevelop my media career," Alphonsi said.
France host England on Saturday, live on the red button on Sky Sports 4 at 8pm.
