Jo leads Red Roses for semi
Shropshire scrum half Jo Yapp will lead England into the Rugby World Cup semi-finals tonight. The former Clee Hill girl leads the side into the clash with Canada at Ellerslie Rugby Park in Edmonton, (kick-off midnight BST).
England have played Canada four times in the last three World Cup and on all occasions the Red Roses have come away victorious, including a 53-10 win in the semi-finals of the 2002 Rugby World Cup in Barcelona.
On Tuesday, however, England will not only have to overcome a powerful Canadian outfit, who have beaten Spain and Kazakhstan, but also the host nation, who will have the hoards of fans behind them.
Head coach Geoff Richards, whose side have beaten USA (18-0), South Africa (74-8) and France (27-8) to reach the final four, said: "It's not going to be an easy ride on Tuesday. Canada are a very physical side with a lot of pace out-wide and that is something we need to address to ensure we can beat them.
"They've also got the added bonus of playing at home and that is a huge advantage for them. When you have got your home crowd supporting you it's a huge physiological advantage."
He added: "It is very exciting to be in the semi-finals for a second World Cup running."
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