Captain Sarah Hunter became the most-capped England international and the most capped-women’s player in history, winning her 138th cap in their 41-5 quarterfinal win over Australia at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
To celebrate, Hunter scored the opening try of a rain-drenched match in which England’s forward power and precision in marginal conditions was critical. Marlie Packer’s hat trick also helped England to extend its record win streak to 29 games.
The veteran No. 8, who made her debut for England when she was 21-years-old, said that beating Australia in the quarterfinal made breaking the cap record “even sweeter.”
“I tried not to think about [the record] too much,” Hunter said.
“You just want to get out on the pitch and I want to concentrate on what I can do for the team. But it’s a really special day and now I can sit back and enjoy it.”
“I think the thing that tops it all off has been the win. That is the focus, we are in knock-out rugby. Winning in this means the record-cap number is even sweeter. It has been so surreal, I have had the most amazing support.”
The 37-year-old received a standing ovation from both sides when she was replaced in the 54th minute and said that she hopes there is “more to come” after breaking Rochelle Clark’s record.
“I just wanted one cap. I just wanted to play for England. I kept hanging on, it is like an addiction — the feeling to play for your country. Hopefully there is more to come,” Hunter said.
England head coach Simon Middleton spoke on the success of his captain, saying to ITV after the match: “Sarah Hunter, record performance and that is so Sarah. It would have been so easy to get distracted but she turned it on.”
England now turn their focus to preparing to face Canada in the World Cup semifinals on Saturday.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.