The Women’s England Rugby team suffered a sad 34-31 loss to New Zealand in the World Cup final.
In a contest of tremendous drama, England’s Red Roses enjoyed a strong and dominant first half, but were defeated by a try from their opponents in the final nine minutes.
Less than three minutes into the final at Eden Park stadium in Auckland, England fullback Ellie Kildunne scored a try on the right wing and converted it for a 7-0 lead.
Ten minutes later, hooker and RAF flight lieutenant Amy Cokayne scored the first of her three tries, with Emily Scarratt converting for a 14-0 lead.
While New Zealand responded with three tries of their own, two of which were converted, England ended the first half with a 26-19 deficit.
The Black Ferns’ Stacey Fulher scored within seconds of the start of the second half, although the Black Ferns’ conversion attempt failed.
Then, England manager Simon Middleton made the contentious decision to substitute Sarah Hunter for Poppy Cleall as captain.
England’s Lucy Packer is unable to prevent New Zealand’s Amy Rule from scoring a try during the women’s rugby World Cup final on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand players celebrate winning the World Cup in 2022.
Emily Scarratt of England is tackled by Stacey Fluhler of New Zealand during the women’s rugby World Cup final at Eden Park in Auckland.
Three minutes later, New Zealand scored again to reclaim the lead at 26-29, but England’s Cokayne completed her hat trick minutes later to give England the lead back at 31-29.
With 30 minutes remaining and numerous opportunities for both teams, a tense battle ensued.
Nonetheless, the home team scored within the final nine minutes, bringing the final score to 34-31.
With over 40,000 tickets sold, the final set a new record for the largest attendance ever for a women’s rugby match.
More than 140,000 spectators will have attended the games, more than any prior tournament since 2017’s overall attendance was 45,412.
New Zealand’s Joanah Ngan-Woo competes in the line out during the Rugby World Cup 2021 Final against England and New Zealand at Eden Park.
New Zealand’s Santo Taumata is tackled during the Rugby World Cup 2022 Final between England and New Zealand at Eden Park.
The success of the event in New Zealand will increase England’s chances of selling out Twickenham’s 80,000 seats for the 2025 World Cup.
British citizens across the nation awoke early to cheer on their countrywomen.
This morning, beginning at 6 a.m., thousands of fans flocked to local rugby clubs to watch the action.
There have been eight World Cup finals for women’s rugby union; England has reached seven but only won two.
New Zealand has won five of the last six matches and defeated England four times, including four of the last five.