A world record crowd of 42,579 for a women’s match added further resonance to an occasion that had everything. He was also England’s worst nightmare. The decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute when the Black Ferns scored their sixth try of the night through substitute winger Ayesha Leti-l’iga, thanks to a world-class offload from center Stacey Fluhler. But even then England had one last lineout chance on their opponents’ lineout, only to be denied and slip to their first defeat in 31 Test matches. This was a great game of rugby and neither side really deserved to lose. It’s obviously helped to have the host nation in the final, but people have also really enjoyed what they’re watching. Under a clear evening sky, this was another surprisingly good sight: fast, frantic and fluctuating. England players react after losing the final. Photo: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images It was also a classic clash of styles, made all the more exciting by Lydia Thompson’s dismissal in the 17th minute for a high challenge on New Zealand ace Portia Woodman. England’s set-piece and drive was, as always, outstanding, with Amy Cokayne bagging a hat-trick, but the Black Ferns’ backs were also a constant threat. England had issues to deal with up front after losing their starting scrum-half Leanne Infante on the eve of the match with knee and ankle problems. In came the relatively inexperienced Lucy Packer, who had competed on just eight previous occasions, for the biggest game of her young life. The Red Roses, however, enjoyed the perfect start, also having a smart response to the haka, stretching right along the 10m line into a wall of white. Just three minutes had passed when, thanks to an effective counter-ruck, they created space and full-back Ellie Kildunne coolly finished in the corner. England’s famous punt was already beginning to rumble ominously, with thorn Cokayne completing a perfectly executed score to make it 14-0 in as many minutes. All too soon, though, England were down to 14 players. There could be no arguing as Thompson caught the hapless Woodman in the face as the Black Ferns attacked down the left. It was to be the end of the night for both players and a particularly sad exit for Woodman, one of the freestyle stars of the women’s game. England’s Lydia Thompson (left) leaves the field after being shown a red card. Photo: Fiona Goodall/World Rugby/Getty Images It was just the boost the Black Ferns needed and they got their first try on the board almost immediately, with Georgia Ponsonby highlighting that the Kiwis know how to tan too. When Woodman’s replacement Leti-l’iga closed the gap further, it was the fourth try in the opening 25 minutes. Under the tutelage of Wayne Smith and fellow former All Black guru Sir Graham Henry and Mike Cron, the Black Ferns were true to their word and giving it a crack. The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the action of the week covered Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The crowd was already quite excited even before Renee Holmes intercepted a Scarratt pass and ran 80 meters to break the English line at the other end. Unfortunately for the Black Ferns, the advantage played England back on the field and, with some inevitability, it was the Red Roses who made it 26-14 again. Could New Zealand respond again? The answer was yes, with another score in the close quarters for Amy Rule cutting the gap at half time to just one score again. And within 30 seconds of the restart, a thrilling start ended with Fluhler running a perfect backline to complete a try to gift every final. Ayesha Leti-l’iga and New Zealand celebrate the winning try. Photo: Greg Bowker/Getty Images England were starting to look rattled and the Black Ferns kept coming. Within four minutes of taking the field, front row substitute Krystal Murray crashed over in the left corner and, for the first time in the game, New Zealand took the lead. Their advantage was short-lived, yet another flurry gave Cokayne the chance to complete her hat-trick and set up a thrilling finale, ultimately decided by Leti-l’iga’s score. The referee, Holly Davidson, also deserved considerable praise. Regardless of the outcome, this tournament felt like a coming of age for the women’s game, both in Aotearoa and further afield. If England have had more full-time contracts than anyone else, their opponents are improving and standards are rising across the board. For now, though, it’s New Zealand who continue to reign as queens of the south… and the world.
