Defence our big weapon in cup quest, says Roses star

ELLIE Kildunne may have provided the magic as England dispatched France to reach the World Cup final, but Megan Jones insists defence will be the most effective weapon against Canada.

- 

Kildunne produced two electrifying finishes in the 35-17 semifinal victory but it was without the ball that the Red Roses truly excelled, defying a French onslaught by making 200 tackles compared to their opponents' 88.

Canada's stunning upset of New Zealand has set up an intriguing main event at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, but Jones says they will face a defence that has been energised by limiting Les Bleus to three tries.

"That defensive shift sums us up because we've got so much heart and desire in this team," said England's outside centre and vice-captain.

"The number of tackles shows how much we want to put our bodies on the line.

"I asked one thing from the girls and that was to choose how hard you're going to hit and choose how you're going to inspire the person next to you.

"That's always important to us.

"Some of the tackles we were putting in were outstanding from the girls.

"We were relentless and that is exactly what we want to show.