Arizona Tribune - England unchanged for Women's Rugby World Cup final against Canada

Mitchell kept faith with the team that beat France 35-17 in the semi-final -- a result which meant that England have won 62 of their past 63 matches, with the Red Roses' last defeat coming in the 2022 World Cup final.

England have not won the tournament since beating Canada in the 2014 final and have lost five of the past six finals to New Zealand, who lost to the Maple Leafs in the semi-finals.

Mitchell's selection, announced on Thursday, means that centre Megan Jones, who has been shortlisted for world player of the year, and wing Jess Breach will have started all six of the Red Roses' games in the tournament.

Full-back Ellie Kildunne, the reigning world player of the year, comes into the match in fine form after scoring two tries against France.

Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison remain as first-choice half-backs, with Zoe Aldcroft again captaining the team from blindside flanker.

"Our staff and players have worked hard to reach this stage of the tournament," said Mitchell.

"Playing a World Cup final at Allianz (Twickenham) Stadium in front of a record 82,000 crowd is a significant milestone for the sport.

"We are well prepared for the challenge against Canada. It is number one versus number two in the world, and we know the contest will demand a full 80 minutes.

"Our focus remains on staying in our process and executing effectively."

England (15-1)

Ellie Kildunne; Abby Dow, Megan Jones, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt; Alex Matthews, Sadia Kabeya, Zoe Aldcroft (capt); Abbie Ward, Morwenna Talling; Maud Muir, Amy Cokayne, Hannah Botterman

Replacements: Lark Atkin-Davies, Kelsey Clifford, Sarah Bern, Rosie Galligan, Maddie Feaunati, Lucy Packer, Holly Aitchison, Helena Rowland

Coach: John Mitchell (NZL)

A.Anderson--AT