 confronting a key strength We should start at the finish, because a fascinating finale was as poignant as it was dramatic. England's lineout maul had been a devastating weapon throughout the tournament, ploughing a furrow to this weekend. That trend continued over a compelling decider too, carving out four of the Red Roses' five tries – including a hat-trick for Amy Cokayne – before the clock ticked into the 77th minute with Simon Middleton's side trailing 34-31. England earned a breakdown penalty on the halfway line and kicked to touch, only to have their maul collapsed by New Zealand. Zoe Harrison set up a close-range set-piece opportunity and Joanah Ngan-Woo was collared for playing Abbie Ward in the air. There was a chance to opt for the posts and tie up the game. England, however, went all-in. They pushed their chips towards the maul, which made sense, yet the Black Ferns were good enough to resist. Having looked bereft of answers in the first half, often keeping their forward on the ground rather than lifting a competing jumper, New Zealand had gradually begun to combat England's lineout during the second. On the hour mark, Maikawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner and Kendra Cocksedge – yes, the Black Ferns scrum-half – muscled in and eked out a maul turnover. In the 74th minute, Chelsea Bremner sprung to steal another England lineout. That latter throw had been aimed towards Alex Matthews. With Zoe Aldcroft off, England were having to use alternative targets beyond Ward. Sadia Kabeya was also used. At the death, though, Ward took on the responsibility herself. The final throw was going nowhere else. Although Ward attempted to add some deception by looking at the floor, channelling Spring){kind=link}
The Red Roses’ game plan held up for much of the match, despite going a player down, but New Zealand’s all-round game proved too strong
Thirty and out, but not without a fight. England ended up on the wrong end of a fantastic final in Auckland as New Zealand’s women repeated the exploits of Richie McCaw and co some 11 years previously to capture a home World Cup. This is how they edged the Red Roses.
We should start at the finish, because a fascinating finale was as poignant as it was dramatic. England’s lineout maul had been a devastating weapon throughout the tournament, ploughing a furrow to this weekend. That trend continued over a compelling decider too, carving out four of the Red Roses’ five tries – including a hat-trick for Amy Cokayne – before the clock ticked into the 77th minute with Simon Middleton’s side trailing 34-31.
England earned a breakdown penalty on the halfway line and kicked to touch, only to have their maul collapsed by New Zealand. Zoe Harrison set up a close-range set-piece opportunity and Joanah Ngan-Woo was collared for playing Abbie Ward in the air. There was a chance to opt for the posts and tie up the game. England, however, went all-in. They pushed their chips towards the maul, which made sense, yet the Black Ferns were good enough to resist.
Having looked bereft of answers in the first half, often keeping their forward on the ground rather than lifting a competing jumper, New Zealand had gradually begun to combat England’s lineout during the second. On the hour mark, Maikawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner and Kendra Cocksedge – yes, the Black Ferns scrum-half – muscled in and eked out a maul turnover. In the 74th minute, Chelsea Bremner sprung to steal another England lineout. That latter throw had been aimed towards Alex Matthews. With Zoe Aldcroft off, England were having to use alternative targets beyond Ward. Sadia Kabeya was also used.