England produced a brave performance but eventually had to settle for second place as New Zealand won the Women’s World Cup in an absorbing final.
Simon Middleton’s side were looking to defend their crown in Belfast, but New Zealand were just too good in the second half as they pulled clear to win 41-32.
Elsewhere, there were wins for France, Wales and Italy as the tournament finished with a bang on a spectacularly day of rugby.
Spirited England miss out
Head coach Middleton made one change for the clash with Meg Jones replacing Danielle Waterman – who was ruled out with concussion.
England won their last meeting just two months ago, but New Zealand, looking to win their fifth Women’s World Cup, started quickly and scored the game’s first try within ten minutes.
Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali’s long kick out wide was perfect for full-back Selica Winiata, who sped clear to score.
Scarratt responded with a penalty as England settled into the match, and they hit the front shortly after by forcing a penalty try with brute strength from a five-metre scrum.
England had the bit between their teeth, and Lydia Thompson surged over in the corner superbly – staying inside the touchline while under intense pressure to dot down.
New Zealand remained composed though and two Toka Natua tries levelled the score, before Charmaine Smith crossed to give the Black Ferns the lead.
But this England side excels when under pressure, and Thompson scored a solo try to nudge them back ahead – speeding away down the right wing from 50 metres.
However, New Zealand stepped it up again as Natua completed her hat-trick, and Kendra Cocksedge and Winiata crossed to put the game out of reach.
Izzy Noel-Smith grabbed a late consolation for England but they ran out of time, and New Zealand lifted the trophy.
France grab bronze with spirited win
France were perhaps unfortunate not to reach the final, and they showed off their undoubted class with a 31-23 win against the USA to win bronze.
The 2016 Six Nations champions made several changes to their side, with Cara Neisen, Jade Le Pesq and Romaine Menager all recalled to the side.
And they made a fast start, as Lenaig Corson stretched over under pressure to cap off a flowing move.
Shortly after, Marjorie Mayans added a second, as they pierced the USA defence with almost every attack, before skipper Gaelle Mignot extended the lead even further.
Alev Kelter brought USA to within six points with some deadly kicking, but Le Pesq evaded a Katy Augustyn tackle to score France’s fourth in the corner.
USA continued to apply scoreboard pressure from the tee, but France always seemed in control and Julie Annery’s try put them out of sight.
Wonderful Wales finish in style
Wales secured their spot at the 2021 Women’s World Cup with a superb display to beat hosts, and Six Nations rivals, Ireland 27-17.
Wales made six changes from the side that lost to Canada on Tuesday and Ireland took advantage through Paula Fitzpatrick’s early try.
But Wales’ new team did not take long to gel and they responded through Robyn Wilkins’ penalty and Carly Thomas’ try.
Sioned Harries extended their lead following a five-metre scrum as Ireland struggled to contain Wales.
Carys Phillips and Shona Powell-Hughes added further tries, while Ireland crossed through Lindsay Peat and Katie Fitzhenry.
Ireland coach Tom Tierney confirmed he will stand down following the defeat.
Italy edge out Spain
Spain beat Italy 22-8 in the group stages just nine days ago, but the Six Nations side rebounded in style to clinch ninth place – edging to a 20-15 win after extra time.
Patricia Garcia got Spain on the board early with a penalty, before Italy’s Beatrice Rigoni was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on.
Angela del Pan made them pay with a powerful finish for the game’s opening try, and Italian fans could be forgiven for fearing the worst.
But Michela Sillari did brilliantly to spin out of a tackle and finish in the corner for Italy’s first try after the break, and they went from strength to strength as the match wore on.
Sillari’s deadly kicking nudged them ahead, while Sofia Stefan scored their second try in the left corner.
Spain pushed forwards, seeking a route back into the match, and they found it when Iera Echebarria latched onto the end of her own kick to score – sending the match to extra time.
But Italy won it, with Sara Barattin scoring the golden points.
