NEW ZEALAND, shocked at their failure to reach the 2014 final, finally erased that stain from their memories with a powerhouse performance in the second half that England simply could not match.
Five of New Zealand’s seven tries came after the break as they moved smoothly up through the gears with their inspired pack providing the platform for the sweetest of wins.
England had provided stern opposition for the first 40 minutes, indeed they led at half-time, but although their heads never dropped and they took what chances came their way the prospect of victory gradually slipped away as the second half progressed.They were well beaten on the night.
No Women’s World Cup Final has yet taken place without England or New Zealand taking centre stage and these two sides always looked destined to duke it out again this year although France are a coming force and made England dig deep in the most physical of semifinals in midweek, a contest that one or two England players were possibly still feeling in their legs.
England had fancied their chances though. Their impressive win over New Zealand in Rotorua this summer was founded firmly on their forward strength and England were quick to employ all that power in the opening exchanges last night as they laid siege to the New Zealand line
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