By Ali Stafford

Last Updated: 12/11/22 10:31 AM New Zealand celebrate dramatic World Cup final win in Auckland
New Zealand won the Rugby World Cup after a dramatic 34-31 win over England at Eden Park. England played more than an hour with a man down after Lydia Thompson was sent off for a reckless tackle, although a hat-trick from Amy Cockayne and further scores from Marley Packer and Ellie Kildoon kept the Red Roses in front in the closing minutes. The Black Ferns trailed for most of the match but took the lead when Ayesha Leti-I’iga scored a 71st-minute try in front of a sell-out home crowd as New Zealand held on to claim a thrilling win over the favourites. tournament. Lydia Thompson was devastated after being sent off in the first half
New Zealand’s victory is their sixth world title and fifth in a World Cup final over England, while the Red Roses’ narrow defeat ends a record 30-match winning streak for Simon Middleton’s side.

Another World Cup disappointment for England

England got off to the dream start with early tries from Kildunne and Cokayne, only to see winger Thompson sent off in the 18th minute for a reckless tackle on New Zealand’s Portia Woodman. Ellie Kildunne opened the scoring for England inside the first three minutes
Thompson high-kicked Woodman’s head and sent the Black Ferns winger off the field on a stretcher, with New Zealand immediately capitalizing on the extra man when Georgia Ponsonby went over. An end-to-end scramble saw England score again when Packer took advantage of the rolling wool, only for New Zealand to reply minutes later when Leti-I’iga found space to slot in the corner. New Zealand had an extra man for over an hour
Cokayne got her second on 32 minutes and Black Ferns’ Amy Rule reduced the deficit with the final play of a pulsating first half, before Stacey Fluhler saw her find the corner in the first minute after the restart. Krystal Murray put the hosts in front for the first time when she scored on 50 minutes, only for Cokayne to complete her hat-trick and regain a slender lead for England moments later when she headed over from a rolling maul. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood says the Rugby World Cup has “surpassed an 80-minute game” and believes the Red Roses will sell out Twickenham in years to come.
2003 Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood says the Rugby World Cup has “surpassed an 80-minute game” and believes the Red Roses will sell out Twickenham in years to come. New Zealand were temporarily reduced to 14 men when Kennedy Simon was booked for a high tackle on Abby Dow, although they went ahead when Theresa Fitzpatrick split the English defense with a super kick and Flachler’s brilliant release allowed Letty-Iiga to note the vital effort. The Red Roses took the corner late in their bid to grab a last-gasp try, rather than go for the points that would have taken the match into extra-time, but a stolen line-out was touched to secure New Zealand the big win. New Zealand celebrate against England in Women’s Rugby World Cup final

Hunter for “tough” defeat: “Depressed” for England

England captain Sarah Hunter: “I’m gutted. I’m so proud of the team. We came out fighting. We had our backs against the wall for 60 minutes of this game but we never gave up, we kept going out. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1994 Rugby World Cup winner Gisele Mather says the Red Roses “gave everything for the cause” during their Rugby World Cup final defeat.
1994 Rugby World Cup winner Gisele Mather says the Red Roses “gave everything for the cause” during their Rugby World Cup final defeat. “One result doesn’t define the team we are, the people we are and hopefully what we’ve created. Hopefully back home we’ve inspired the next generation, giving them something they’re proud to be a part of. “Sport is tough, sport doesn’t end the way you want it to. Unfortunately it was us tonight, but credit to New Zealand. They kept coming, found a way and went home with the trophy.” New Zealand captain Ruahei Demant: “I can’t even put it into words. All I can say is thank you – I’m so proud of our team! Captain Ruahei Demant impressed for New Zealand
“It’s been really challenging. Most people don’t even know that last year we went on a northern tour and got a boost. The ways the players have turned themselves around – there’s a lot they haven’t seen. “We’ve sacrificed so much to get a chance in our lives, to win a World Cup on home soil, and we did it!”

France crushes Canada to take bronze

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France ran in five tries to crush Canada 36-0 in the Women’s World Cup third-place play-off, securing their seventh bronze medal in nine editions of the tournament. Marine Menager winger scored two tries and lock Madoussou Fall, the excellent Pauline Bourdon and prop Annaelle Deshaye also crossed as France ruthlessly dismantled the 2014 runners-up. “We are so happy for this medal,” said center Gabrielle Vernier. “It was a really tough week after last week and we put our hearts on the pitch, put everything out there. We had a very good defense throughout the competition, it was our trademark and I hope we can do better in attack in the competitions ahead.”