Kick-off in France for Women's WC

 

New Zealand are in France to defend their title, which they claimed after a thrilling final against England in 2010.

 

Team captain Fiao'o Faamausili said: "We’re all here for the same reason, to win the World Cup.

 

"There’s definitely pressure there but it’s how we deal with it, as a captain and as a team.

 

"We've told the girls not to think about what’s happened in the past, it’s about what happens now. We are taking each match as it comes and just enjoying it."

 

England are hoping they will be lifting silverware at Stade Jean Bouin on August 17, and their captain Katy McLean thinks there is a great mood in the camp.

 

"You can’t help but look back to something like [Women's Rugby World Cup] 2010 which was massive for the women’s Game but obviously the result wasn't ideal for us.

 

"That was really tough but four years later you have to move on, you learn lessons, you play more Rugby and get better." 

 

"Now we’re here. It’s such a fantastic place to be in.

 

"France is such a Rugby nation and we’re involved in another World Cup, it's fantastic." 

 

Speaking in Paris, International Rugby Board CEO Brett Gosper said the tournament will be a great boost for the Game.

 

"We know that women's Rugby is gaining popularity. It’s grown two or three times since the last World Cup four years ago. There is a raised interest and the visibility is huge. 

 

"It also means that it finds its way into school curricula around the world which is very important because you find it in PE classes, it gives it an acceptability and it means that it’s being sampled by students who wouldn't usually sample it.

 

"We're really looking forward to the event."

 

Women's Rugby World Cup 2014 runs from August 1 – 17 in Paris. The pool stages will be played at Marcoussis with Stade Jean Bouin hosting the semi-finals and final.