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Black Ferns beat England in thriller to regain Women's Rugby World Cup

New Zealand and England contest the Women’s Rugby World Cup final

Toka Natua scored a hat-trick as New Zealand came from behind to regain the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a 41-32 victory over defending champions England at Belfast’s Kingspan Stadium.

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The Black Ferns won four World Cups in a row between 1998 and 2010, beating England in the final three times, but it was the Red Roses who triumphed at the last edition of the event three years ago.

Another England win appeared likely on Saturday when they responded to Selica Winiata’s early try by opening up a 17-5 lead after 33 minutes, aided by a yellow card for Sarah Goss.

However, New Zealand came roaring back to secure a fifth title, with prop Natua doing much of the damage as she crossed on three occasions.

Kendra Cocksedge and Charmaine Smith also touched down for New Zealand, who were much the stronger in the second period.

Touchdowns from Lydia Thompson (2) and Izzy Noel-Smith, in addition to a penalty try, ultimately proved in vain for England.

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NH 1 hour ago
Battle of the breakdown to determine Wallabies’ grand slam future

Nice one John. I agree that defence (along with backfield kick receipt/positioning) remains their biggest issue, but that I did see some small improvements in it despite the scoreline like the additional jackal attempts from guys like tupou and the better linespeed in tight. But, I still see two issues - 1) yes they are jackaling, but as you point out they aren't slowing the ball down. I think some dark arts around committing an extra tackler, choke tackles, or a slower roll away etc could help at times as at the moment its too easy for oppo teams to get quick ball (they miss L wright). Do you have average ruck speed? I feel like teams are pretty happy these days to cop a tackle behind the ad line if they still get quick ball... and 2) I still think the defence wide of the 3-4th forward man out looks leaky and disconnected and if sua'ali'i is going to stay at 13 I think we could see some real pressure through that channel from other teams. The wallabies discipline has improved and so they are giving away less 3 pt opportunities and kicks into their 22 via penalty. Now, they need to be able to force teams to turnover the ball and hold them out. They scramble quite well once a break is made, but they seem to need the break to happen first... Hunter, marika and daugunu were other handy players to put ruck pressure on. Under rennie, they used to counter ruck quite effectively to put pressure on at the b/down as well.

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