Natasha 'Mo' Hunt: England star 'not one for change' as smaller rugby ball trialed in WXV clash with Australia

Having not faced non-European opposition since the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham against the Canadians, it is a opportunity for John Mitchell and his coaching set-up to gauge where the Red Roses are at in the grand scheme of things.

The Roses did face Australia in their campaign to world cup glory in the final group stage fixture in Brighton. “They had a really good tactical kicking game against us,” reflected Hunt, “but they’re a physical outfit, they want to front up but they also want to challenge you in those wide channels as well.”

Upon this new WXV campaign, World Rugby are trialling a new 4.5 sized ball, a change that Hunt is not a fan of. “I have spent my whole career playing with a different size, so I am not one for change to be honest.”

Granted it is only half a size of difference to the regular balls that players have been but with 88 England caps to her name, Hunt immediately spots the difference, “personally, it’s the fizzle I can get on the ball,” as a scrum half, Hunt will touch and distribute the ball more than anyone in the England squad.

Known for their nomadic approach to rugby, the Red Roses have opted to use Sale Sharks’ CorpAcq Stadium in Salford. Albeit Hunt knows the magnitude of running out at Allianz Twickenham, she also appreciates the way the Red Roses have adopted that approach and appreciates the fans that turn up for the side. “We love our fans; we are such big fans of our fans.”

With playing in Sale, Hunt’s half back partner Holly Aitchison is set to make her 50^th England appearance only 35 miles from her home club of Southport. Hunt loves playing with Aitchison as there “aren’t many people in the game with her skillset.”

England’s Six Nations campaign was under new leadership too, with Zoe Stratford announcing her pregnancy after the World Cup, outside centre Meg Jones received the skipper’s armband. “You see the energy she brings; she is someone who will galvanise the team. The beauty of Meg is that she is the exact same person whether she has the armband or not.” Said the 37 year old scrum half.

Catch the Red Roses in action on against Australia on BBC iPlayer at 15:00 on Saturday the 12^th of September.

Following games include Canada on the 19^th and New Zealand on the 26^th.