England triumphs in women's rugby: Red Roses world champions at Twickenham
World record number of spectators for England's final against Canada
3' min read
3' min read
Prediction fulfilled and English girls world champions. At home, in London's temple of rugby (Twickenham's Allianz Stadium), the Red Roses beat Canada 33-13 in the final, taking back the Women's Rugby World Cup that in the last two editions - 2017 and 2022 - had gone to New Zealand.
The final three years ago was the last match England lost. Since then, 33 matches without defeat. The 34th success came in front of more than 80,000 spectators, a world record pulverised for women's rugby.
Canada had come to the decisive match after beating New Zealand's Black Ferns in the semifinals and showing their best game. But England, who had overcome France with some difficulty in the semifinals, had the merit of delivering their best performance at the most important moment. And if they play to the best (or almost) of their potential, captain Zoe Aldcroft and her teammates are unbeatable.
It will never be the most bubbly team, the one in the white jersey, but it is by far the best with the scrum, it has exceptional physical prowess, a technical and effective backline. Add to that some players who are the best in the world in their role (one for all, fullback Ellie Kildunne) and a defence that, as was the case against Canada, is capable of stifling the opposition.
The North Americans had started very well, stealing a lineout and scoring a goal 'off the line' with winger Hogan-Rochester after five minutes, but soon afterwards Kildunne retaliated with a goal created out of nothing: a 40-metre start, four opponents avoided and the decisive touch.
