England women win rugby world cup
Fourth time lucky.
A capacity crowd witnessed a stunning end to a sparkling tournament in Paris.
After losing in the last three World Cup finals, England finally claimed the world title on 17 August for the first time since 1994.
A full house of 22,000 at the Stade Jean-Bouin saw England beat Canada 21-9 in an exciting game befitting a final.
England began positively and were 11-0 up on the half hour through two Emily Scarratt penalties and a Danielle Waterman try.
Canada pulled it back to 11-3 by half time through a Magali Harvey penalty.
The second half was a much more tense affair as England seemed to realise just what they were aiming to achieve.
Canada took full advantage of England jitters and the deficit was down to just two points mid way through as Harvey put over two more penalty kicks.
But Emily Scarratt, with the coolest head on the pitch then struck back with another penalty to stretch the lead to five points.
It remained 14-9 until six minutes from the end until Emily Scarratt again, this time in full flight, went over to score the decisive try.
This she converted to make the score 21-9.
Canada fought to the very end, but England were not to be outdone and there was more than a little relief in the England camp when the hooter went to signify the end of the game.
“We’ve worked so hard for this, and there are so many great legends that have gone before us that haven’t won in an England shirt, and that’s for all of them who are here today.
“It started years ago with the people that have brought us here, our family and friends. We’ve had to work today – Canada were fantastic – and it’s amazing to think we’ve done it,” England’s captain, Katy McLean, told Sky Sports.
It was a high quality final in a high quality tournament. The Parisian populace obviously bought into the event in a big way with large crowds and good media coverage apparent at most of the matches.
Although the top honours eventually went to England, it was Ireland who sent the biggest shockwaves through the rugby world as they beat the seemingly unbeatable New Zealand 17-14 in their pool match.
It was this defeat that ultimately meant the Black Ferns did not even qualify for the semi-finals, a feat unthinkable before the start of the tournament.
England were never more than satisfactory in the group games, beating Samoa 65-3 and Spain 45-5 before meeting Canada for the first time, drawing 13-13.
But they upped their game significantly in the semi-final as they put in a fantastic performance to beat Ireland 40-7.
After their last three final defeats it was clear that England did not intend to give this one up without a fight, and it was a combination of this determination, no little skill, and the boot of Emily Scarratt that made the difference.
The third place play-off was also a fine match, with an ecstatic French crowd seeing their side beat an unlucky Ireland 25-18.
England’s win, was ‘not a bad effort’, as Channel 4 News remarked, given that many of the women had to take three months of unpaid leave to compete in the tournament.
Unlike the men’s team, the players are not professional, and so they fit training and matches in with day jobs, including working as teachers, coaches, plumbers and policewomen.
But women’s rugby is on the up worldwide. The standard of play has undoubtedly improved markedly over the last five years. Media coverage is getting better with Sky broadcasting the tournament live and the excellent Sara Orchard providing informed commentary on the latter stages on BBC Radio 5 Live.
And so I urge you to check it out. Try scrumqueens for all the latest news and fixture information and the International Rugby Board (IRB) website for the official line on all things rugby union.