A crochet bouquet for Abby Dow's 50-cap Red Roses career
Red Roses winger Abby Dow reminisces on her best match memories on her journey to 50 caps, and how the squad celebrated the occassion.
The 27-year-old won her 50th cap during England's 49-5 bonus-point win against Ireland on Saturday, and speaking on the latest episode of O2 Inside Line: All In, opens up about how she never thought it would be a possibility.
"I didn't think I'd reach 50 caps. I remember watching the 2017 World Cup at home and thinking 'that's so cool', but never thinking I'd make it. I didn't think that was on the cards for me," said Dow.
Watch the episode...
Memories & tradition
The winger has scored 43 tries across her Red Roses career, but her favourite memories playing for England are quite different.
"Two years ago we played France and the bus went the wrong way and through the whole crowd. It was incredible to see the people swarming around Twickenham and knowing it was for the women's game. The way a home crowd brings the momentum of the game is something you never experience unless you're at the top level. Those are my best England caps," said Dow.
"But I do love a good team try. I like one when everyone's done their role perfectly, it makes me happy. It's a team sport so to celebrate as a team is even better."
It is tradition in the squad to receive a real red rose for getting a first cap, which Dow mentions is hard to preserve when away on tour. So, for over a year, she has made a crochet rose for players reaching special milestones; a red rose for first caps, silver for 50 and gold for 100.
Since it was her special moment, some players took it upon themselves to continue the tradition and made her a bouquet of white and silver roses.
It's a group effort
It is not just the players selected for game day and putting on a great performance that seal the win, but the squad as a whole. Marlie Packer explains the roles of those not playing and how they impact the team.
"For us Red Roses, the NPR, non-playing reserves, is a really important role. We support the team in whatever they need. We look at the opposition so we can train against what they're going to be up against on the weekend," said Packer.
"For me, my role has massively changed this season in the squad, but I stay true to myself just as I did as captain and make sure I keep pushing the standards. Zoe is doing a fantastic job as captain and so are the rest of the leaders. We're half way through the tournament and playing really well, so we need to make sure we keep out foot on the pedal and put in a performance."
