Rugby World Cup Final: New Zealand v England
New Zealand: (19) 34
Tries: Ponsonby, Leti-I’iga 2, Rule, Fluhler, Murray; Cons: Holmes 2
England: (26) 31
Tries: Kildon, Cockayne 3, M Packer; Cons: Scarratt 3
England’s winning streak ended in the most important game of all as New Zealand won their sixth World Cup on a historic night for women’s rugby at Eden Park.
In one of the most dramatic World Cup finals ever, the Red Roses were reduced to 14 men when Lydia Thompson was shown a red card in the 18th minute and led for most of the game.
England had lost the last four finals to New Zealand and their hearts were once again broken as Ayesha Laeti Aiga’s try gave the hosts a three-point lead with nine minutes remaining.
The Red Roses had a chance to win with a last line-out – their most potent weapon all tournament – with the clock in red but missed the throw to the delight of a record women’s game crowd of 42,579.
The joy on the faces of New Zealand’s players and fans was in stark contrast to England’s players, who stood with their heads in their hands in tears as they reflected on the fact that their record 30-Test winning streak had come to an end. When it mattered most.
As a full Eden Park declared their support for the pre-game haka, England sprawled on the pitch and looking back after a no-plus, it was clear that this would be a day women’s rugby fans will remember for years to come. Will keep.
Both sides saw the opportunity before them to send their game stratospheric and provided pure entertainment from start to finish.
England started with pace, giving New Zealand a taste of their own game. They stretched New Zealand and Emily Escort found Ellie Kildon for the opening try.
There was plenty of action in the first 10 minutes for three finals and Amy Cockney – who was called up to the Black Ferns’ camp before being selected for England – was soon on course for the first of her three tries in the Red Roses’ trademark driving maul. Moved forward.
Further drama ensued when Thompson red-carded record World Cup try-scorer Portia Woodman.
New Zealand had relied on their unpredictable backline play in previous rounds but proved they too could suffer as Georgia Ponsonby went over after a lineout soon after.
Another cheeky England try – this time to Marley Packer – prompted another Black Ferns response, with the Red Roses caught short when Leti-I’iga ran through enough open space to score her first try. .
Once again England turned to their pack, another try for Cockney, as England’s focus collided with New Zealand’s chaos and Black Ferns prop Amy Roll finished the half to make the score 26-19. gave Half time support.
