Richards on NZ and World Cup progress

Richards, who played in four World Cups, praised her former side's performances so far, ahead of their crunch clash with Canada."I think New Zealand are shaping up well. They looked good during the June test series and have been dominant in their first two games, apart from being a bit ragged in the forwards in the first game. Their backs are looking very dangerous now and the forwards need to continue to step up to the plate and be accurate and dominant."

"Defensively I think they need to be in better control of the rolling maul, but overall I think they are looking good."When looking at the strength of the New Zealand squad, Richards singles out a couple of players for specific praise.

"I have been really looking forward to seeing Carla Hohepa back in action as she is a class player. I'm also really looking forward to seeing our captain fantastic Fiao Faamausili rack up 50 test matches for New Zealand - it's about time someone did!"After the disappointment of three years ago, where New Zealand failed to get beyond the pool stages, Richards reckons New Zealand will be better for the experience.

"Of course it was a wake up call, after winning four World Cup in a row to not even making the semis in Paris - that is bound to be a bit of a shock. But I think you get some great learnings out of situations like that and I think it has made the team stronger.""From what I understand the team has been exposed to more technical and coaching support and have had more time together leading into this tournament. Also now there is a General Manager for Women's Rugby at an NZRU level so there has been some positive change."

When it comes to predicting who will make the final, Richards goes for the obvious but with a caveat.

"I think on form leading into the World Cup and on the first two rounds it should be an England v New Zealand final, but having a tournament set-up where it is a lottery as to who is the fourth playoff team, then nothing is guaranteed."

From her position as the sevens head coach for Hong Kong, she is uniquely placed to assess the tough start they have had to the tournament.

"It was always going to be a tough tournament for the Hong Kong team however I think their inclusion in this World Cup is hugely important for the growth of the game and the growth of those players there. Japan men have shown that improvements can be made after coming from a 145 point loss to NZ in 1995 to beating South Africa at the 2015 World Cup.  I saw a great saying the other day - failure is not an option it's a step."