England Women have been dethroned as the world champions, ultimately outfought and out-thought by a New Zealand side hell-bent on reclaiming their crown. New Zealand trailed by 12 points at one stage during a dominant first half for England, and by seven at the break, but ran in 32 points in the second half. For England there were heroes aplenty, but a total of seven New Zealand tries – three from the loosehead prop Toka Natua – tells its own story. Scarratt’s conversion, from way out wide, was just off target so England’s lead was one – for all of a minute. “We’re immensely proud of one another and what we’ve achieved,” said the England captain, Sarah Hunter.

Source: The Guardian August 26, 2017 22:26 UTC