venue: twickenham stadium date: Saturday, April 20th kick off: 14:15 BST |
coverage: Watch live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and online. Read text commentary, highlights and reports on his BBC Sport website and app. |
Sarah Hunter, England's most capped player, admits she was “not comfortable” in her new role as defense coach at first, but now feels she has settled into it.
38 years old retired last season Following the women's Six Nations opening game win over Scotland at Kingston Park.
The former England captain took up his new role in September.
“I feel like it's gotten a little bit easier over time,” Hunter said.
“It’s more seamless now than it probably felt at first.”
Hunter's England defense was excellent during the Six Nations, keeping clean sheets against Italy and Scotland.
“Did you feel comfortable at first? Absolutely not. I think there was just a little bit of the unknown and it was definitely something I wasn't ready for,” said the most capped player in women's rugby. added.
“Not really, I [thought I] As graceful as a swan, on the surface he pretended to know what he was doing, but beneath the surface he wondered, 'Am I doing the right thing? ” I was thinking. ”
The Red Roses are on course for their third consecutive Grand Slam title and sixth consecutive Six Nations title when they welcome Ireland to Twickenham on Saturday in front of an expected crowd of more than 45,000.
However, the long-term goal remains success at the 2025 home World Cup, which was a big reason for Hunter to take on the new role.
“I was able to come back at the right time in terms of how the game played out and how it developed,” the former England captain said.
“The fact that I have a home World Cup next year…I knew there was no way I would be able to play.” [to that tournament] As a player, I always felt that if I had been a year or two younger, I might have been able to do better.
“I feel lucky to have been given such an opportunity. [as a coach] And you can join the game at the most exciting and biggest moments. ”