Rugby-England expect, NZ resist as fuse lit at World Cup

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Women's International - England v New Zealand - Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, Britain - November 7, 2021 England's Amy Cokayne and New Zealand's Grace Brooker in action Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

(Reuters) - The exponential growth in the profile of women's sport means there is a heavy weight of expectation about what the ninth Rugby World Cup can deliver when it kicks off in front of a record crowd in New Zealand this weekend.

On the pitch, England expect to formalise the power shift from the southern to northern hemispheres with their third title, even if reigning champions New Zealand can be anticipated to offer stiff resistance in their own backyard.