England captain Sarah Hunter was extremely proud of her team’s performance at the Women’s World Cup in Ireland, despite being defeated 41-32 by New Zealand in yesterday’s thrilling final in Belfast.
England’s women gave their all in a match that swung back and forth, with the Black Ferns first taking the lead and England responding with a penalty try and a muscular Lydia Thompson effort.
New Zealand reclaimed the lead with three tries before Thompson responded once again – but the Red Roses couldn’t hold out as Toka Natua completed a hat-trick before Kendra Cocksedge and Selica Winiata rounded things off.
Defending champions England have acquitted themselves well throughout the tournament though and Hunter was pleased with how her squad performed.
“We are immensely proud of one another and what the squad has achieved, and one result doesn’t define this squad,” she said.
“It is a very special squad and we win together and we lose together.
“We have been on a very special journey and it’s a great team to play in.
“I am really proud to captain it and we will stand tall together until the end.”
For the Black Ferns it was their fifth World Cup success and England head coach Simon Middleton was full of praise for the opposition.
“A huge congratulations to New Zealand,” said Middleton. “They were outstanding in the way they managed the second half of the game in particular.
“They have had a great tournament. As with any immense team they find a way to win – so full credit to them.
“In terms of our team, I couldn’t be prouder of them, the girls gave everything they could.
“There was certainly no shortage of heart, energy, passion and desire.
“We just couldn’t get enough possession in the second-half to be able to turn the game how we wanted.”
There was excitement too for Wales Women as they secured a spot at the 2021 World Cup with a 27-17 win over Ireland that saw them finish seventh in the tournament.
The Welsh side were too strong for World Cup hosts Ireland, with tries from prop Caryl Thomas, Sioned Harries, captain Carys Phillips and substitute Shona Powell-Hughes.
“It’s been a tough tournament for us but we definitely deserved that at the end,” said skipper Phillips afterwards.
“All the hard work we have put in over the last 12 months came out in this performance.”
Ireland fought hard throughout the encounter but will have hoped for more during the tournament, with coach Tom Tierney confirming that he will stand down following the defeat.
2016 Six Nations champions France concluded their campaign by displaying their quality in a 31-23 victory over the USA to claim a bronze medal.
And Italy clinched ninth place with captain Sara Barattin scoring an extra-time try to seal a dramatic 20-15 win over Spain.
