Spencer - This is our time

England skipper confident of finally dethroning Black Ferns

Last updated: 4th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Spencer - This is our time

Spencer: confident ahead of final

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Captain Catherine Spencer insists England's time has come and they will dethrone holders New Zealand in Sunday's World Cup final.

Spencer's England will renew their rivalry with the Black Ferns at the Twickenham Stoop as they bid to stop the New Zealanders from winning the tournament for a fourth consecutive time.

But having finished sas runners-up in both 2002 and 2006, England are convinced it they who will emerge victorious on this occasion.

The teams last clashed at Twickenham in November and, having clinched a famous victory, Spencer knows they England are more than capable of repeating the achievement when it matters most.

"The win in the autumn has provided us with huge confidence and we know we can beat New Zealand. We've both largely got the same squads as then," said the Bristol number eight.

"We've also stepped up a level each time we've played in this tournament so that has also given us confidence.

"We've just got to keep performing and take our chances."

"It's brilliant that the final is against New Zealand, the reigning world champions."

Battle-hardened

Spencer insists England will be battle-hardened for the showpiece after seeing off Australia 15-0 in the semi-finals.

"It was a tough game against Australia that will put us in good stead for the final," continued the back-rower, who crashed over for the opening try in that triumph.

"It was great to play at the Stoop. The atmosphere was brilliant and I think that will step up again tomorrow so it's very exciting that we'll be there."

Street predicting classic

England have also defeated Ireland, Kazakhstan and USA en route to the final with head coach Gary Street predicting the final hurdle will be a classic.

"New Zealand are obviously a world class side, but they'll find us their toughest opponents yet," said Street.

"The last time we played them we also won so we won't fear them.

"I'm sure it'll be an epic encounter and I know that the public will once again see a game of great quality from the best two women's teams in the world.

"It's often said that the last World Cup final was the greatest game of women's rugby ever. Now it's our job to top that."