Alphonsi: “England will win but it is going to be close. I am going to say by two points.”
Merchant: “England win. They’ve been dominant for so long. Last year they were putting in amazing performances and everything was clicking.
“Watching the WXV tournament, there wasn’t a single team in the world that could beat them on form. The more you’ve seen teams show up this World Cup – like Canada – the more you get worried.”
Orchard: “By hook or by crook it will be ugly, but England will scrap themselves over the line.
“John Mitchell has had this England team for a number of campaigns. This is also his fifth World Cup as a coach – four with different men’s sides.
“He was hired to help manage the occasion and if they don’t come out with the trophy at the end there has got to be a big review and questions asked about the approach.
“The amount of money the RFU (Rugby Football Union) have pumped into women’s rugby – they should be winning a World Cup.”
McKenzie: “Canada. We are aware of the speed and intensity Canada will bring and they will start strongly as they have done throughout the tournament.
“England have not started fast. That is going to be a telling first 20 minutes, but the back 20 minutes are going to be the most impactful.”
Monye: “It will be an open game. When it is 50-50, as an Englishman, I have to say the Red Roses win.”
Thomas: “Canada. They have played much better rugby than England for the past five weeks and I think they have got such a grounded coach in Kevin Rouet and a strong connection.
“I have been convinced by Canada and I haven’t been by England.”
