Monday 14 July 2014 11:41, UK
Flanker Marlie Packer insists there is no room for complacency in the England camp as they prepare to launch their Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
Gary Street’s side start their tournament against Samoa in Paris on August 1 as they look to end a run of three successive Rugby World Cup final defeats.
All of those defeats have come at the hands of New Zealand, who head to France seeking a fifth consecutive crown.
Despite being busy preparing for her first Rugby World Cup, sport is not the sole focus for Packer as she continues her job as an on-call plumber.
I think we have to take each game as it comes and make sure we do the right analysis on each team to make sure we get out of the group stages and go further on.
“I used to start work at eight, finish at one then go over and play for Wasps Ladies, finish that game, have a about three quarters of an hour and then start work again until 10 o’clock,” she told Sky Sports.
“I used to work five till 10 and it’s just tough going on the body and there’s the tiredness as well.”
After a curtain-raiser against Samoa, England will face Spain before a final Pool A clash against Canada, which Packer expects could be their sternest test.
“Our toughest game by far is going to be Canada, the final game of the group,” the 28-cap international added.
“But still, I think we have to take each game as it comes and make sure we do the right analysis on each team to make sure we get out of the group stages and go further on.”
The 24-year-old was part of the England team that successfully overturned a 13-3 deficit to beat the Black Fearns 16-13 in 2012 and the opportunity to now feature of the global stage is one Packer will relish.
“The feeling would just be amazing,” she admitted.
“And the fact that I might even get the chance is even better, I can’t explain the feeling.”
You can watch the Women's Rugby World Cup live on Sky Sports and England's first game against Samoa can be seen from 4:45pm on Sky Sports 3HD on August 1
