England beaten by New Zealand in women’s World Cup final
To suffer defeat in one World Cup final is bad enough, but to endure it in three consecutive finals against the same opponents is really tough to accept.
The hope and expectation on England’s women to win the rugby World Cup in their own backyard had grown and grown over recent weeks. However, the anticipated jubilant celebrations remained an optimistic dream, the tears and broken hearts back again, as England were beaten 13-10 at the Stoop.
Beaten by the Black Ferns in 2002 and 2006, there was to be no third time lucky for the Europeans. Head coach Gary Street had witnessed his players produce a spirited effort in a nervy and tense encounter but, in the end, it was New Zealand who led the celebrations.
Despite being reduced to 13 players in the first half after picking up two yellow cards, the world champions led 7-0 at the break after an impressive try from winger Carla Hohepa. However, early in the second half, England pegged back their opponents through Charlotte Barras, who crossed the line to level the score at 10-10.
This was as good as got for the hosts, though. England were second-best for the remainder of the match, considerably weaker at the breakdown than their opponents, and centre Kelly Brazier won the World Cup for her side 16 minutes from full-time with her second successful penalty.
Naturally, England’s spent players were left utterly dejected. Captain Catherine Spencer spoke after the final whistle and summed up the mood inside the dressing room. "I'm absolutely gutted we couldn't do it. It's pretty hard to take but every single member of the squad can be proud of herself," she said.
"Our defence was awesome but we just needed to get a bit more territory and play down their end," Spencer added. "We had the potential to win that game but we just couldn't do it. They're a tremendous side but we're right up with them for skills and physicality."
This morning, the emotions will still be raw, and few of the players on the losing side would have got much sleep last night. But as they say, time is the greatest healer, and before too long, England will take the positives from this tournament.
Reaching their third consecutive World Cup final is an achievement which should be lauded, and the national team attracted a new wave of fans yesterday afternoon.
But for New Zealand, this was their fourth consecutive World Cup triumph - an unprecedented record in the women’s game. And few would bet against them making it 20 years of dominance in 2014.
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