England v New Zealand - Women's Rugby World Cup final Review and Player Ratings
England captain Sarah Hunter, pictured right, and her team were denied World Cup glory by New Zealand
©PA
As New Zealand completed a thrilling 32-41 win over England in Belfast on Saturday to reclaim the Women's World Cup title, we take a look at few of the key points from the encounter.
TWEET OF THE MATCH
"Easily the best women's rugby match I've seen and what a stage to show it. Record press interest, primetime UK TV and radio. #Progress" - leading women's rugby commentator Nick Heath.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
New Zealand prop Toka Natua completing her hat-trick of tries in the second half. She was at the heart of a relentless physical effort by the Black Ferns forwards, and England had no answer as they conceded 31 second-half points.
STAR WOMAN
Toka Natua. It is rare for a prop to score three tries any time anywhere, but to do it in a World Cup final was something else.
STAT OF THE MATCH
It was New Zealand's fifth world title, adding to the four successive World Cup triumphs they enjoyed from 1998 to 2010. And having recently regained the world number one ranking from England, a memorable Belfast performance underlined their status as currently the best in the business.
England Player Ratings
EMILY SCARRATT: A battling performance by the star of England's 2014 World Cup final triumph, but it was not to be on this occasion. 7
LYDIA THOMPSON: Scored two tries, and threatened New Zealand's defence throughout. Lightning pace. 8
MEGAN JONES: Summoned to start after being on the bench for England's semi-final victory over France, and did not disappoint. 7
RACHAEL BURFORD: Ran hard, but found New Zealand's defence increasingly difficult to get through. 7
KAY WILSON: Had few opportunities in attack as New Zealand dominated the second half. 6
KATY McLEAN: Bossed the game for the first 40 minutes, but then had to play on the back foot as the Black Ferns went up a gear. 8
NATASHA HUNT: Could make little headway around the fringes. 6
VICKII CORNBOROUGH: A solid performance, but New Zealand's forwards ultimately took charge. 6
AMY COKAYNE: Gave everything in the tight exchanges, but it was not England's night. 6
SARAH BERN: Underlined her reputation as one of the finest props in women's rugby. 8
ABBIE SCOTT: A tireless work-rate, but it was a tough shift in the second half. 7
TAMARA TAYLOR: Showcased all her experience, yet little she could do to stem the New Zealand tide. 6
ALEX MATTHEWS: Had her moments at the breakdown, but New Zealand ultimately dominated in that area. 6
MARLIE PACKER: Not as effective as in the semi-final against France, but she never gave up the ghost. 7
SARAH HUNTER: England's captain was denied World Cup glory at the final hurdle, yet her team gave so much to the tournament. 7
Replacements
AMBER REED: Went on for Burford early in the second half. 6
VICKY FLEETWOOD: Took over from Cokayne as England made changes. 6
ROCHELLE CLARK: The England front-row veteran made a second-half appearance. 6
JUSTINE LUCAS: Joined the action in the third quarter. 6
LA TOYA MASON: Went on for Hunt with 20 minutes left. 6
HARRIET MILLAR-MILLS: Took over from Taylor in the 64th minute. 6
IZZY NOEL-SMITH: Scored a try after replacing Packer. 7
AMY WILSON HARDY: Gained a late run instead of Thompson. 6
