New Zealand won a third straight Women’s Rugby World Cup crown when they held off England 25-17 in the final on Sunday at Commonwealth Stadium.
Lock Monalisa Codling scored the only try of the first half moments before the break for New Zealand’s Black Ferns to lead 10-3.
Winger Stephanie Mortimer scored a minute after the break to stretch the lead to 15-3, then England’s forwards earned a penalty try.
After New Zealand lock Victoria Heighway crossed, England replacement Helen Clayton’s converted try closed the margin to three. However, fullback Amiria Marsh scored in injury time to start New Zealand celebrations.
France defeated Canada 17-8 for third place. — Sapa-AFP
Scores:
New Zealand 25 (Monalisa Codling, Stephanie Mortimer, Victoria Heighway, Amiria Marsh tries Emma Jensen conversion, penalty),
England 17 (Helen Clayton try, penalty try Karen Andrew conversion, penalty, Shelley Rae conversion)