"England will have been scenario planning this week, preparing for every eventuality, including the worst case. They will have practised going down to 14 players but that is a delicate balance to strike because that can be triggering for those involved in 2022, when Lydia Thompson was sent off. My concern, and I hope I'm wrong, is that we will see a red card."
"Meg Jones has a number of super strengths in this England team. She is the energy-giver, she provides massive momentum by producing big moments and she knits things together on and off the pitch. Perhaps her biggest in the World Cup final against Canada, however, is that she wasn't involved in the defeat by New Zealand three years ago. She does not bear the scars that a lot of her teammates do."
Meg Jones supplies energy, momentum and cohesion and benefits from not being part of the 2022 final defeat, reducing the risk of traumatic recall late in the match. England have rehearsed multiple scenarios, including playing with 14 players, but practicing that contingency can trigger memories of Lydia Thompson's sending-off. There is genuine concern that a red card could influence the final, given recent dismissals in major finals. Both teams are extremely physical and require elevated, accurate defensive work because small misjudgements can result in cards. Meg's role includes ensuring defensive clarity against Canada's rapid ruck speed.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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