Red Roses defeated by New Zealand in RWC Final
The Red Roses were beaten 34-31 by New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park.
Despite running in five tries in Auckland, Simon Middleton's side were unable to overcome an inspired Black Ferns side.
England took the lead inside three minutes, as Lucy Packer - a late call up to the starting side - set a rapid pace at the breakdown, firing passes into the path of her forwards who trundled up the field. With a penalty advantage, the ball was spread through the hands of Zoe Harrison and Emily Scarratt to Ellie Kildunne, who crossed the whitewash. Scarratt added the extras to make it 7-0.
The lead was extended by Amy Cokayne 10 minutes later, grabbing the visitors' second off the back of a trademark 10-metre lineout rolling maul, and Scarratt was on hand to convert the effort.
Momentum began to shift as England wing Lydia Thompson was shown a red card by referee Hollie Davidson for a high tackle on Portia Woodman, and the Black Ferns took immediate advantage of the extra player when Georgia Ponsonby went over for the hosts' first try.
Simon Middleton's charges responded via a Marlie Packer score, the flanker the benefactor at the back of another rolling maul. But the 19-7 lead was short lived, as New Zealand crossed in the 26th minute - Ayesha Leti-Iiga the scorer, and Renee Holmes added the extras to cut the deficit to five points.
The sides shared another score each as half time approached, Cokayne getting her second on 32 minutes - converted by Scarratt - and Black Ferns prop Amy Rule crossing for her first in the final play of the half to make it 26-19 at the break.
New Zealand scored within seconds of the resumption, spreading the ball wide they went the length of the field for Stacey Fluhler to dot down, and replacement Krystal Murray put the hosts in front for the first time when she scored on the 50-minute mark.
Finishers Poppy Cleall, Sadia Kabeya and Claudia MacDonald made positive impacts when they were introduced to the game, as the Red Roses began to chase the Test. When given the opportunity of an easy three-pointer in front of the posts, they opted for the corner instead, and it proved profitable - Cokayne surging over from another trademark rolling maul - the hooker securing her hat-trick, and handing England a slender 31-29 lead.
Black Fern Kennedy Simon was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Abby Dow as the hour mark passed, and in the time she was off the field, team mate Leti-I’iga put the Black Ferns back in control with her second try.
With three minutes to go, and down by three points, the Red Roses went in search of the win. Holding onto possession they forced a penalty in a promising position, and pumped the ball into the corner. The five metre lineout was stolen at the front, and New Zealand kicked the ball out to confirm the win.
TEAMS
Red Roses
Starters
15. Ellie Kildunne, 14. Lydia Thompson, 13. Emily Scarratt (VC), 12. Holly Aitchison, 11. Abby Dow, 10. Zoe Harrison, 9. Lucy Packer, 1. Vickii Cornborough, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Zoe Aldcroft, 5. Abbie Ward, 6. Alex Matthews, 7. Marlie Packer, 8. Sarah Hunter (C)
Finishers
16. Lark Davies, 17. Maud Muir, 18. Shaunagh Brown, 19. Cath O'Donnell, 20. Poppy Cleall, 21. Sadia Kabeya, 22. Claudia MacDonald, 23. Tatyana Heard.
New Zealand
Starters
15. Renee Holmes, 14. Ruby Tui, 13. Stacey Fluhler, 12. Theresa Fitzpatrick, 11. Portia Woodman, 10. Ruahei Demant (C), 9. Kendra Cocksedge, 1. Phillipa Lowe, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Amy Rule, 4. Maiakawanakaukani Roos, 5. Chelsea Bremner, 6. Alana Bremner, 7. Sarah Hirini, 8. Charmaine McMenamin
Replacements
16. Luka Connor, 17. Krystal Murray, 18. Santo Taumata, 19. Joanah Ngan-Woo, 20. Kennedy Simon, 21. Ariana Bayler, 22. Hazel Tubic, 23. Ayesha Leti-I’iga
WORLD CUP JOURNEY/WINNING
Round 1 - Red Roses 84 - 19 Fiji
Round 2 - Red Roses 13 - 7 France
Round 3 - Red Roses 75 - 0 South Africa
Quarter Final - Red Roses 41 - 5 Australia
Semi Final - Red Roses 26 - 19 Canada
Final - Red Roses 31 - 34 New Zealand
