 The Red Roses players were left in tears at the final whistle as their opponents celebrated but can be proud of another incredible run. Speaking at full time, captain Sarah Hunter admitted: "I'm gutted. So proud of the team, we came out fighting. We had our backs against the wall for 60 minutes but we never gave up. "One result doesn't define the squad that we are, the people we are. Hopefully we have inspired the next generation back home and given themselves something to be proud of. "Sport is cruel. Credit to New Zealand they found a way and they go home as deserved champions. We left no stone unturned, we left everything on t){kind=link}
The Red Roses were forced to play over an hour with 14 players in Auckland and couldn’t hold on as the hosts emerged victorious 34-31 thanks to a dramatic late try
England have been beaten in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final after a dramatic 34-31 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland.
The Red Roses, who were going in search of their third World Cup, were forced to play for over an hour with 14 players and looked set to hold on before a stunning late try from the hosts.
England started superbly and led after three minutes but their task was made considerably harder in the 18 th minute when Lydia Thompson was sent off for a high tackle.
New Zealand fought back and ended the second half the stronger before a stunning start to the second period in front of a record crowd of 42,579 for the women’s game.