England’s Women booked their place in the final of the IRB Women’s Challenge Cup in Hong Kong, with a landmark 22-12 win against Canada.
They now face World Cup Sevens winners Australia, who overwhelmed the USA 33-0 in the other semi, after avenging a defeat at the hands of Canada in last year’s Dubai final.
England were short on power that day but the return of forward Heather Fisher from a serious back injury and a handful of players from the 15-a-side Grand Slam team swung the game in England’s favour against a side with a full-time sevens programme.
Wasps wing Michaela Staniford’s two first half tries edged England 10-5 up and they added two outstanding scores in the second half.
Richmond’s Centre Rachael Burford (pictured) picked a great line to cut back inside and score straight after the break and Staniford’s back-handed offload created the best of the lot for Richmond fly half Alice Richardson.
Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
