Should Packer Start for England in the Final?

This article explores the potential impact of Lucy Packer on England's chances in the Women's Rugby World Cup final against Canada. Packer, a 25-year-old scrum-half for Harlequins, has been a key player throughout the tournament, and there are strong opinions regarding her role in the starting lineup. Experts believe her unique skill set could be crucial for England’s victory.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Lucy Packer has been pivotal for England despite limited starts in the tournament.
• Former World Cup winner Kat Merchant advocates for Packer's inclusion in the starting lineup.
• Natasha Hunt's experience could be more beneficial coming off the bench.
• Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Holly Aitchison are recommended to replace Jess Breach and Tatyana Heard.
• England holds a historical advantage over Canada, winning 33 of their 37 encounters.

Lucy Packer: The Rising Star

At 25, Lucy Packer has already made a significant impact in women's rugby, culminating in her participation in the Women's Rugby World Cup. Playing as a scrum-half for Harlequins, she has showcased her potential throughout the tournament, despite starting only once. Her inclusion in the final against Canada could bring a new dynamic to England's gameplay.

Packer's Performance at the World Cup

During the 2023 World Cup, Packer has featured in all five matches, demonstrating her versatility and resilience on the pitch. Her sole start came in the historic victory over Samoa, where she impressed both fans and analysts with her swift ball distribution and game awareness. She also contributed as a substitute in the semi-final against France, where her energy was evident.

Expert Opinions on Packer's Inclusion

Kat Merchant, a 2014 World Cup winner, believes that Packer holds the key to England's success against Canada. Merchant noted, "Lucy Packer, for me, is the difference," highlighting her speed and skill. The argument for Packer's inclusion suggests that her ability to control the game from the start could be pivotal, especially against a formidable opponent like Canada.

Experience vs. Youth: The Case for Natasha Hunt

While many advocate for Packer’s starting position, others argue for the experience of Natasha Hunt. Merchant acknowledged that Hunt could have a significant impact coming off the bench, stating, "Natasha Hunt coming off the bench, she carves up when she comes off the bench." Hunt's proven ability to change the game's momentum late in matches could be essential, particularly if the game remains close.

Comparing Skill Sets

Both Packer and Hunt bring unique attributes to the game. Packer's speed and agility provide a different tempo, while Hunt's experience offers tactical awareness and strategic plays, especially in high-pressure scenarios. Commentator Claire Thomas echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that while Hunt's experience is invaluable, Packer's growth and confidence make her a strong candidate for the starting role.

Strategic Changes for the Final

As England prepares for the final, tactical adjustments may be necessary to enhance their chances. Merchant has proposed starting Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Holly Aitchison, suggesting they could replace Jess Breach and Tatyana Heard, respectively. These changes aim to bolster both defence and attack against Canada's strong squad.

Justifying the Switch to Moloney-MacDonald and Aitchison

Merchant argued that while Breach is England's leading try-scorer, her recent performance against France raised concerns. Moloney-MacDonald is noted for her finishing skills and defensive capabilities, making her a suitable choice. Similarly, Aitchison’s previous experience in the 2022 World Cup final adds depth to the midfield, allowing for a more dynamic attack.

Defensive Concerns

Both experts expressed concerns regarding the defensive strategies against Canada. With players like Alysha Corrigan and Asia Hogan-Rochester on the opposing side, England’s wingers need to be adept in both attack and defence. Thomas highlighted the importance of defensive stability while acknowledging that Aitchison's offensive contributions might outweigh any potential defensive vulnerabilities.

The Historical Context: England vs. Canada

Historically, England holds a significant advantage over Canada in women's rugby, having won 33 out of 37 meetings. This includes a current streak of 13 consecutive victories. Their last encounter ended in a 21-12 win for England during WXV1 in October 2024, demonstrating their capability to perform against Canada. England's previous World Cup encounters have seen them victorious, including the 2014 final, where they triumphed 21-9.

What’s at Stake in the Final

The upcoming final is more than just a title; it represents a culmination of years of hard work and determination for the England team. The stakes are high, and the decisions made regarding the starting lineup could determine the outcome of the match. The blend of experience and youth may be crucial in overcoming Canada’s skilled squad.

Conclusion: A Tactical Decision Ahead

As the final approaches, England's coaching staff faces a critical decision regarding their starting lineup. The balance between experience and emerging talent will be essential to their success. Lucy Packer's potential inclusion could offer the spark needed to challenge Canada's formidable side. Only time will tell if these tactical changes will pay off, but one thing is certain: England must adapt to ensure victory.

As the excitement builds for the final, fans are left wondering how these choices will shape the game. Will England's strategy prove effective against Canada? The world will be watching closely. #WomensRugbyWorldCup #LucyPacker #EnglandRugby

FAQs

Who is Lucy Packer?

Lucy Packer is a 25-year-old scrum-half for Harlequins and a key player for the England national women's rugby team, known for her speed and agility on the field.

Why is there debate over starting Lucy Packer?

There are differing opinions on whether Packer should start in the final against Canada due to her potential impact versus the experience of Natasha Hunt, who is also a strong candidate for the starting position.

What are the historical results between England and Canada in women's rugby?

England has won 33 out of 37 encounters with Canada, including the last 13 meetings, and they have not lost to Canada since 2016.

What tactical changes are being considered for the final?

Experts suggest including Lucy Packer in the starting lineup, along with Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Holly Aitchison, to enhance both attack and defence against Canada.

How significant is the Women’s Rugby World Cup final for the teams involved?

The final represents a culmination of hard work and effort for both teams, with the title at stake, and it is a chance for England to solidify their dominance in women's rugby.