The 2022 World Cup lasted five weeks. Barnes and Mather's schedules were more compact, with five games played over 18 days.
They defeated Russia and host Scotland in the pool stage, and defeated Canada and France in the finals. By the time of the final, there was precious little time to overcome the problem.
“It was bruised and sore all the time, but I got used to it,” Burns said.
“I don't remember ever feeling hurt or negative about myself.”
The United States won 19-6 in the 1991 World Cup final, and most of the England squad returned three years later, determined to avenge that defeat.
Tries from Barnes, center Jackie Edwards and full-back Jane Mitchell, along with two penalty tries, sealed the victory and sparked chaotic scenes of celebration.
“When the final whistle went, I was so exhausted that I fell to the ground,” Burns said.
“Then the crowd kept running. There were no barriers, no judges, nothing, and they had a belt around my head as I was kneeling on the floor. By the time I got up, the pitch was full.
“I got my medal, found the girls and held the trophy high.”
That night, England's players were invited to a banquet along with 10 other nations, where they celebrated until the early hours of the morning, when an unexpected fire alarm sounded and night fell.
But Mather most fondly remembers watching match highlights on the BBC's flagship sports show, Grandstand.
“We got a try with 15 minutes left. It was unbelievable,” she said.
“I was surprised that one day I was able to appear on a sports program that I had always wanted to watch when I was little.''
The original trophy was lost for 15 years until administrators from the Women's Rugby Football Union discovered a wooden box hidden in the loft.
He then returned to Twickenham. Last Saturday, the 1994 players gathered to watch the Red Roses defeat Ireland in front of a crowd of 48,778.
It was a moment that symbolized how the victory 30 years ago helped change the women's game.