Three phenomena to watch in the World Cup

The queens of their countries and the leading elements of the rugby world, Emily Scarratt (England), Portia Woodman (New Zealand) and Laurie Sansos (France) will fight for the title at the World Cup (October 8 – November 12).

Scarat, untouchable

Even in a multi-talented English team (Sarah Hunter, Bobby Kleel, Zoe Aldecroft, Sarah Byrne, Helena Rowland, etc.), the name Emily Scarratt stands out. The 32-year-old player and striker has been a fixture at the Red Roses for over a decade. The player who has played 103 caps, has six Six Nations Championships to her credit, has played in three World Cups (one title) and in particular offered to beat England in the 2014 edition by scoring 16 points (3 penalties, one transfer and one attempt) against Canada. (21-9).

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Scaratt was named FIFA Women’s Player of the Year in 2019, but suffered a major setback a year ago, breaking her leg during a match with her club, Loughborough. A severe injury from which she managed to recover quickly, the center even finished the best exit (39 points) from the championship in the spring. Just to stimulate your appetite before the World Cup.

Woodman, he can’t be stopped

She is only 31 years old and yet we have the impression that we have been seeing her cross the lands of the entire world for decades. Perhaps this is because Portia Woodman is not satisfied with one flash per meeting but doubles it up to an overdose. The living New Zealand rugby legend remains as brilliant at the age of fifteen as at seven, a supernatural phenomenon. Latest example? His seven attempts during the black fern warm-up match against Japan (95-12).

Her impressive record speaks for itself: Seventh world champion in 2013 and 2018, gold medalist in the Tokyo Games, she also won the 2017 World Cup in Ireland, scoring 13 attempts in five matches…not to mention her awards for the world’s best player in the fifth. Ten (2017) at Seven (2015). It would be wrong, however, to imagine an saturated Woodman. The New Zealand Pavilion is meant to be dedicated to the home, paramount to anyone who dreams of being young, like their unsurpassable female counterpart Jonah Lomo.

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Sansus, out of reach

If Les Bleues failed again to win the tournament, last spring, a Frenchwoman would not leave the 2022 Six Nations Championship empty-handed. Laure Sansus has already won the trophy The best player in the competition. Nothing surprising, as half of the Blue shook their opponents in the spring. No one scored more than her attempts, and no more passes were made.

Toulouse, who retired from rugby five years ago, has not stopped progressing since returning to the field, winning the No. 9 selection. Her ability to carry the ball and create holes in the opponent’s defense makes her a major asset to the Blues. “It is deceptive will, confirms Captain Gael Hermit. She instinctively finds spaces we don’t think exist, she is able to put us on top. Her teammates will have to tap her talent more than ever this fall. The 28-year-old announced that she She will end her career after the World Cup.