Stage set for England to deliver epic end and lasting legacy

A sold-out Twickenham will expect crowning glory for the hosts, who also have the chance to win new converts

- Robert Kitson

For years it has been a mirage shimmering on a distant horizon. A sold-out 82,000 record crowd for a standalone women's rugby fixture, millions more watching on television, a nation entranced. Finally the vision will become reality this Saturday with just one big question left: can England also deliver the ultimate fairytale finish?

It promises to be as much a psychological as a physical challenge, with hype levels about to be ramped up to 11. Appropriately given England's forward strength, Battersea power station will host a fan zone for those without tickets. Asahi, the tournament's beer sponsor, has linked up with more than 1,000 pubs across the UK to screen the final, as part of the collective drive to spread the women's rugby gospel far and wide.

There could yet be a further promotional surge before England's Rugby World Cup final against Canada with the Canadian singer Shania Twain among those enthusing on social media about her national side's stunning semifinal win against New Zealand on Friday. Twain is rarely impressed by much, as everyone well knows, but women's rugby is clearly an exception.