September 1st, 2006

England skipper and Worcester player Jo Yapp said: “We knew the USA would provide us with a really tough game and they didn’t disappoint. We had to fight for every inch out there. Their physicality was immense so to come through in the end and get the victory we are really pleased.

“The first-half was far from our best ever performance and we lost Karen Andrew early on, but Shelley Rae is a more than capable replacement. She had a storming game which is great after the struggles she’s had with injuries.

“Although we have had quite an intense preparation period it has been a long time since we last played a game together so it took us a while to get into it. Overall though the character the team showed to be patience and to keep plugging away was incredibly pleasing.”

England and Wasps player Sue Day: “It’s a good feeling to get the first game out of the way and with a win also. We have been building up to this tournament for four weeks now and all of us just wanted to get out on the pitch and play some rugby.

“We knew that the US were going to be a strong team physically so a battle was expected. They made it really tough for us and in the first-half we also made the game hard for ourselves. At half-time, we knew we couldn’t panic and that we had to start playing our own game and in the end we settled after the restart. Hopefully we have blown a few cobwebs away.

“It’s always nice to get a couple of tries and it was great for Kim especially who got her first try for England. With the Black Ferns putting in a high scoring performance against Canada, yes it would have been nice if we could have done that too but you can’t take anything away from the opposition – you have got to beat the team put in front of you. The US were very tough and physical and they made it very hard for us.”

England and Clifton player Katy Storie: “It was fantastic to make my debut in the World Cup. It was a bit frantic to be honest as I was coming up as a blood substitution – I must admit I was expecting a bigger build-up to it that included nerves and tears, but I didn’t and I had to go straight into a scrum. To be honest it was the best way to get started in the game.

“I played against the US in January for England A and our opponents were certainly an improved side. They fought for every single breakdown and they never gave up and it’s very difficult to play against opposition like that. In the end I think out fitness made the difference and that’s why we came away with a ‘W’ on the board.

“It was also great to see my club and country teammate, Kim Oliver, get her first try for England today. She has been waiting quite a while to get the five points, having always set everyone else up for tries. She had a great game as well so we are all really chuffed for her and I am sure all the Clifton girls at home will be too.

England and Folkestone player Catherine Spencer said: “We went out to win the game and we probably could have played better but a win is a win and that’s the important thing. The US were a really tough side and it took us time to settle into the game as we haven’t played together since March. Yes, we let them battle us a bit but we came back at them in the second-half and we were the team coming away with the four points and that’s all that matters. Personally I enjoyed the game. It was tough but it was a good base for me and I know I can get better from here.”

England and Thirsk player Tamara Taylor said: “Although the game wasn’t particularly pretty to watch or the highest winning score-line of the opening day we are still on target to winning all of our pool games. The first period was tough but that was because this was our first game together in four months. Our forwards coach said to us before the game that we needed to stay composed and not to think that we would score straight away. He warned us that it could take 80 minutes and he wasn’t that far wrong! However, it was a testament to our players that we kept going for 80 minutes and in the end got the result that we wanted. For me personally, this was my first World Cup match and it was exciting and nerve racking and absolutely exhausting all at the same time.”

Ends…