Although the win against Ireland’s was the Red Roses’ least convincing performance of this championship, they will fancy their chances of overcoming their title rivals in Simon Middleton’s final game as head coach.
The side will be backed by more than 50,000 fans at Twickenham in what will be a record attendance for a stand-alone women’s rugby match.
After four one-sided matches in which England have scored 39 tries and 233 points, Alphonsi is hoping for a match to suit the occasion – and that influential captain Marlie Packer will be fit.
“I am just really looking forward to the two best teams in the Six Nations going toe to toe,” she said.
“Losing Marlie Packer would be a significant loss because she galvanises this England team and epitomises how they want to play. She’s aggressive, takes the ball to the line and puts the opposition under pressure.
“But England have depth with Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews and Sarah Beckett able to fill those positions, and they have leaders as well.”
