England’s defence of the Women’s Rugby World Cup rolls through to the knockout rounds thanks to three comfortable wins.

Now, ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final against in-form France, the most pressing selection headache for head coach Simon Middletonhinges on who to deploy in the back five of his pack.

Specialist locks Zoe Aldcroft, Tamara Taylor and Abbie Scott have all impressed. Alex Matthews, Marlie Packer and Harriet Millar-Mills are hard-hitting, highlight-reel performers. Izzy Noel-Smith accumulates a mighty number of positive contributions over every match.

But the one name that will be inked onto the team sheet already is that of skipper Sarah Hunter - and not only by virtue of her captaincy. The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year epitomises what Eddie Jones calls a ‘glue player’.

England’s 47-26 victory over USA featured patches of irresistible dominance - the best rugby the champions have put together so far this tournament. Hunter facilitated so much of that.

Defensive organisation and disruption

In the first half, England located a new level of intensity. As is so often the case at any level, defensive aggression set that tone. Sarah Hunter personified this, but galvanised it with calm leadership.

We join the action just four minutes in. USA scrum-half Deven Owsiany sends up number eight Jordan Gray. Out in midfield, Hunter diligently presses forward: