NZ women clinch World Cup

New Zealand’s women broke English hearts as they retained their World Cup crown in a nail-biting and hard-fought contest.

The Black Ferns, victorious over England in the finals of both 2002 and 2006, were reduced to 13 players in the first half after two yellow cards, but led 7-0 after a side-stepping try from winger Carla Hohepa.

When they then lost skipper Melissa Ruscoe to the sin bin early in the second half a fine Charlotte Barras try allowed England to fight back to 10-10. But the home side were second best at the breakdown throughout and centre Kelly Brazier sealed New Zealand’s hat-trick over the Red Roses and their fourth World Cup of all with her second successful penalty 16 minutes from the end.

Earlier in the day, Australia sealed third place in the competition with a 22-8 victory over France.

BBC