THE RED Roses turned their World Cup dream into reality as they blew away Canada 33-10.
In front of a world record crowd of nearly 82,000, John Mitchell’s side showed why they have now won 33 straight games since their heartbreak in Auckland four years ago.
GettyEngland are the Women’s Rugby World Cup champions[/caption]
PAThey lifted the trophy after beating Canada in the final[/caption]
GettyThey were handed their winners’ medals after making history[/caption]
GettyAlex Matthews scored a vital try in the first half[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialThe Red Roses did it in style at a packed-out Twickenham[/caption]
But as the Allianz Stadium roared skipper Zoe Aldcroft and her team on, all of that was forgotten as England bounced back from conceding the first try to simply destroy the brave but outgunned Maple Leafs.
Unsurprisingly, England’s recovery was led by the jewel in their crown, full-back Ellie Kildunne.
She exploded through the Canadian defence to touch down under the posts barely two minutes after winger Asia Hogan-Rochester had put the outsiders in front.
And after that it was all about that relentless, remorseless England pack, who simply expect that they will eventually grind anybody down.
Hooker Amy Cokayne got the second try, rumbling over from a classic Red Roses line-out drive that was only ever going to end with another score.
And when No 8 Alex Matthews took scrum half Natasha Hunt’s pop-up pass to score the third after 25 minutes, Canada were suddenly 16 points in arrears and needing snookers.
While Sophie de Goede pulled three points back that came after an outrageous tryline steal by Aldcroft to prevent the Canadians scoring what seemed an inevitable second try.
Only the TMO denied Cokaye a second before the interval – rightly advising that prop Maud Muir had obstructed at another of those unstoppable line-outs.
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But there was nothing to prevent Abby Ward burrowing over for England’s fourth try 10 minutes after the break.
A yellow card for Hannah Botterman opened the door, with Hogan-Rochester romping through it with her second score in the left-hand corner.
Yet the 14 held on through the next storm, key defensive plays blunting everything the Canadians threw at them before the numbers were equalised.
And when Canada made a total horlicks of Kildunne’s steepling up and under penalty into the South West London skies, Matthews took advantage with another close-range finish to put it to bed.
Harrison’s fourth conversion out of five attempts added the gloss.
The best in the world are now crowned as top of the world.
Nobody can deny them that.
England star Sadia Kabeya was named the Player of the match after full time.
She hailed the fans who turned out in their masses to fill out Twickenham.
She told the BBC: “It’s amazing, thank you to everyone who came out today.
PAEllie Kildunne lifts the trophy after inspiring her team to victory[/caption]
GettyThe Red Roses celebrated their triumph at full-time[/caption]
GettyThey had to battle while down to 14 players[/caption]
“It’s a pinch me moment, but it’s been years in the making and so glad we can pull it off for you today.
“We did all the right things today.”
Scrum half Natasha Hunt added: “This is unimaginable. I am so proud of the girls. I hope this stays for women’s rugby.”
She also hailed coach John Mitchell for his efforts throughout the tournament.
She said: “He has just kept it simple. He has been honest, sometimes brutally honest but I like that.
“He has got this week bang on. We played on the 16th member of the team – the crowd.
“I don’t think any of us could have imagined it would have been like this.
“That is a testament to everyone behind the scenes and those who turned up today.”
GettyJohn Mitchell was named coach of the year after the game[/caption]
AFPSadia Kabeya was the player of the match[/caption]
ReutersTwickenham was practically filled to the brim[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
