Who were England’s best and worst players against the Black Ferns in the Rugby World Cup final in New Zealand.
The Red Roses winning streak came to an end in the most important game of all as the Black Ferns won the World Cup for a sixth time on a historic night for women’s rugby at Eden Park.
In what has to be one of the most dramatic World Cup finals of all time, the Red Roses went down to 14 players when Lydia Thompson was shown a red card in the 18th minute and led for most of the game.
England had lost four previous finals to New Zealand and their hearts were broken once again as Ayesha Leti-I’iga’s try regained a three-point lead for the hosts with nine minutes remaining.
RUCK ranks the performances of the best performers and most underwhelming players.
BEST PLAYERS:
#3. Abby Dow
Telegraph 8/10: “”Can cause big damage out wide and played a key role in the opening try getting around Holmes on the outside. One arcing run led to a dangerous tackle from Simon and was forced off.”
#2. Abbie Ward
Telegraph 8/10: “Led the defensive effort with 14 tackles and so important in the lineout too, claiming almost everything – until the very last and most important throw. Shouldn’t overshadow a great effort, but it might.
#1. Amy Cokayne
Rugby Pass 9/10: “Phenomenal work rate, laser-accurate line-out throws and a hat-trick of tries reiterated why Cokayne has made the two shirt her own throughout the tournament.”