From their unstoppable pack, led by two-time try scorer Alex Matthews, to a backline lit up by Ellie Kildunne, the Red Roses turned it on when it really mattered to lift the Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy for the third time in history – and the first since 2014.
Story of the match
While England started the final on the back of a record 32-match unbeaten run, all 81,885 packed into Allianz Stadium – a world record for a women’s rugby match – were well aware that the women-in-white lost the RWC 2021 Final on the back of a similar streak. And the Canadians did their utmost to seize on those nerves, striking first, thanks to lively winger Asia Hogan-Rochester.
But when England need something up stepped Kildunne. The reigning World Player of the Year has been imperious throughout her home World Cup, but this was something else. There was seemingly nothing on when the full-back took the ball just inside the Canada half. She saw it differently, stepping inside two defenders before carving through the infield to touch down.
The noise deafening, England’s pack took over. First it was the rolling maul, a weapon Canada – like the rest of the world – knew all about but simply had no answer to. A try for hooker Amy Cockayne was swiftly followed by one for Matthews, slipped in by a delightful off-load from scrum-half Natasha Hunt.
Somehow Canada held out until half-time, England’s 21-8 lead barely reflecting their dominance.
But the break did not stop the white wave, with Abbie Ward powering over five minutes into the second-half, after more great work from her fellow forwards.
Outstanding through the tournament, Canada did hit back. Again it was Hogan-Rochester touching down with England down to 14 players, after a yellow card for prop Hannah Botterman.
But after weathering a strong 10 minutes for the world No.2 ranked side, who ran England close in last season WXV 1 final, England pulled away once more. Matthews punching through for her second try with 11 minutes left.
Heartbreak for Canada who lose to England for the second time in a RWC final.
Delirium for the tournament hosts whose celebrations have barely started.
Mastercard Player of the Match
Immense either side of the ball, openside flanker Sadia Kabeya made a crunching 20 tackles, as well as providing the link her sparkling backs. Aware of what it feels like to lose a RWC final, the 23-year-old was overjoyed to be named a world champion.
“It sounds amazing, it’s a pinch-me moment, but it’s been years and years in the making and I’m so pleased we could pull it off,” Kabeya said. “Canada are a great side. We worked them really hard and we did all the right things today and that showed in the game.
“It’s amazing. I want to say thank you to everyone who came out today. You are our 16th man on the pitch. We are just so grateful.
“All I can say is big up South London!”
MORE TO FOLLOW