Match practice biggest issue for Spain

The "Leonas" planned to work for two weeks in October but in the middle of it, they had two Covid positive so they had end the camp early.

One problem this has created is that the players who should have returned to play in France and England couldn??t, and have therefore missed important training and match practice.

For me the biggest problem is that the rest of the squad, who have been without training, and the difference this creates between the players. Some of the players are more active, especially the ones based in France and England, but others much less. Players based in Spain are not generally paid to train away from national camps - there is some funding but it is not the same trying to train without a contract for six months, and then training for one week with one.

That will be the major problem for the team, looking ahead to Russia playing Spain next weekend. Apart from that the Spanish (players and coaches) are confident about the game. They expect only one result (as I do). We are a better team and the previous results where good, with a big difference in scores at the end. Today they started a new training programme leading up to the game next weekend and concentrating 100% on it.

The Netherlands is not going to be a problem. The gap with them is bigger than with Russia, so if they play as we expect there is not going to be a surprise.

The WCQ - that??s another issue. We will have more time to do things (depending on the Covid situation) but domestically Ireland is playing their league, the Scottish players are playing (a lot of them in England) and the Italian league in starting soon too. We do not kick off in Spain until December - after the internationals have finished - so this lack of match practice could be an real issue. We need to do something to be in the right shape, with rugby in our bodies to play those games.

In general this four team group is very even, so it is the details that will win the games.

, of course.?? a young player with a lot of future.- She is the best, the oldest player, born in 1984- Another future star- Young but with experience

I also want to see . She was injured last year and has not played any games since, but she is a good and powerful Number Eight.