50 caps, a tour to Japan and the prospect to witness my nation enjoying towards England once more after so lengthy. However let’s begin with the milestone…
Incomes my fiftieth cap was a dream I by no means imagined can be attainable to perform once I first began. It’s a real privilege that makes me really feel very lucky. There’s a number of work behind it, and I do know I wouldn’t have achieved it with out all of the individuals who have supported me alongside the best way, particularly my teammates, my Leonas.
I made my half century look within the second Check towards Japan and it was a fair higher expertise as my teammates penned me a particular letter. I simply hope that those that come after me see it as an achievable aim, that they’re inspired to dream of reaching 50 and even 70 caps.
It took me a decade, however I imagine others will attain it ahead of I did, as Spain at present performs way more video games at Check Match degree.
As for the tour, though we haven’t gained any video games, they’ve been invaluable alternatives to achieve worldwide expertise, one thing we want if we wish to maintain pushing our boundaries. After each match, we’ve witnessed progress, particularly in areas the place we had been struggling for some time.
We’d’ve misplaced by 90 factors towards England, however the staff confirmed coronary heart and grit and had been in a position to counter the Red Roses maul in some moments. Though it might probably look a bit unusual that I’m looking for positives from the final three video games, we will’t permit ourselves to really feel deflated or to suppose that we haven’t made any progress. We did, and we’re a much better staff than we had been three weeks in the past.
The squad wanted to mature, develop, to be uncovered to an bold staff like Japan and to probably the greatest nations of all time, England. For me, it was inspiring to observe my teammates go the additional mile and have the need to do one thing particular.
Alba Capell, for instance, was one of many gamers who was insatiable and stored throwing her physique on the road. Others like Lea Ducher and Claudia Cano had been additionally unbelievable, pulling methods out of a hat and making a case to deserve a begin.
I believe they’re able to shock the rugby group when the World Cup begins. For me, their performances signify what it means to be a Leona, to be a part of a delight of lionesses who will do every little thing they’ll to maintain the group from breaking up.
Now we have additionally proven that we will now play the total 80 minutes whereas sustaining a excessive degree of depth all through the match. It’s a key facet if we dream to defy those that are above us within the World Rugby rankings.
It’s crystal clear to me what we wish to do towards New Zealand, how we wish to compete towards Eire, and the way far we’re prepared to go to financial institution a win after we face Japan. We all know we will actually do it. We’re not going to the World Cup simply to take part; we’re going with ambition, figuring out that if we proceed to develop like we did on this tour, we will stay as much as it.
This group is hungry, dedicated, and above all, satisfied that we haven’t but reached our full potential.
Now we have a number of room for enchancment, however that motivates us. We all know we will attain a better degree, and we wish to obtain it. I do know it might probably all sound a bit cliché, however we learnt a lot and got here out of those video games with a stronger conviction: the assumption that we may be the Leonas our followers deserve.
Ah! And earlier than I wrap up, let me inform you about one thing that Alba Capell gifted me. A necklace with my Leonas (181) participant quantity. It jogs my memory of how far we’ve all come, and why I maintain difficult my physique, and why being right here issues.
Vamooooss!!
