Black Ferns ironing out backline errors

Experienced first five-eighth Anna Richards believes the Black Ferns can find the missing extra gear on attack when they play England in the women's World Cup final in Barcelona on Sunday.

The two heavyweights of women's rugby square off at the Olympic Stadium after New Zealand beat France 30-0 and England whipped Canada 53-10 in the semifinals.

It will be the sixth meeting between the two sides, with the New Zealanders having scored comfortable wins in 1997, the semifinal of the 1998 World Cup and again in 2000.

However, last year the sides shared a two-test series in New Zealand, with England winning the second match 22-17 - the Black Ferns' first defeat in more than 10 years.

That result will give the English great confidence, although their performances in Barcelona have been mixed.

New Zealand's forwards have been in compelling form throughout the tournament and the side's defensive play has been just as commanding, with a sole penalty goal the only points they have conceded in three matches.

However, their attacking play has been stop-start and the backline has been guilty of squandering too many chances with a mixture of bad handling and poor option-taking, considering the territorial domination they have enjoyed.

Richards, playing in her third World Cup campaign, said England would be less forgiving if the New Zealanders did not take their chances.

"We are in pretty good heart," she said.

"There are a few things to work on, especially when we're on attack, but the mood is nice and positive and we've got two days to put some polish on our play.

"We just need to get our timing sorted out."

Richards, 37, is New Zealand's most experienced player with 24 caps.

- NZPA