England has outclassed Canada 33-13 in front of a record-breaking crowd at Twickenham to claim the Women’s Rugby World Cup title for the third time. The hosts, who have been dominant in women’s rugby, extended their impressive winning streak to 33 matches, watched by 81,886 spectators—a world record for a women’s rugby match.
England entered the final with a remarkable record, having won 62 of their last 63 matches over six years. The only blemish during this period was a heart-wrenching World Cup final defeat to New Zealand in 2022. This time, however, England left no room for error, surging to a 21-8 lead by halftime and maintaining their momentum to secure victory.
England’s Path to Victory
The English team, led by coach John Mitchell, showcased their prowess from the outset. “These girls are awesome,” Mitchell stated after the match, celebrating England’s addition to their previous triumphs in 1994 and 2014. “Three years ago we set about doing something, and we finally took the last few steps today. I think 2022 taught us a lot. We knew we would be good at the rugby, but at the end of the day, I think our culture won, with the values that have guided us to this point.”
England’s performance was a testament to their strategic planning and execution. Ellie Kildunne, one of England’s sharpest attackers, was instrumental in turning the tide after Canada initially took the lead. Kildunne’s try under the posts, along with subsequent tries from Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews, set the stage for England’s commanding lead at halftime.
Canada’s Spirited Challenge
Canada, ranked second in the world, entered the final with determination and an impressive backstory. The team had to crowd-fund their trip, highlighting their commitment and passion for the sport. They made an early impact with Asia Hogan-Rochester scoring the opening try in the fifth minute. Despite their spirited efforts, including a second try from Hogan-Rochester, Canada struggled to match England’s intensity.
Canada’s coach, Kevin Rouet, expressed mixed emotions after the match. “It’s frustrating for us because we know we didn’t play our best game,” he said. “But I’m very proud of what they did, the sacrifice they made for three years just to get there. It was just missing 80 minutes of good rugby for us to be world champions.”
Historical Significance and Future Implications
The victory at Twickenham not only marked a significant achievement for England but also underscored the growing popularity and competitiveness of women’s rugby. The record attendance reflects the sport’s increasing appeal and the potential for further growth on the global stage.
England’s scrumhalf Natasha Hunt captured the sentiment of the occasion, stating, “This is unimaginable. I am so proud of the girls. I hope this stays for women’s rugby.” The triumph is seen as a pivotal moment that could inspire a new generation of female rugby players and fans.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, New Zealand secured a 42-26 victory over France in the third-place play-off, witnessed by approximately 50,000 spectators. This development highlights the depth of talent across the top teams and sets the stage for future competitions.
81,886 spectators set a world record for attendance at a women’s rugby match.
As England celebrates their victory, the focus now shifts to maintaining their dominance while acknowledging the continuous improvement of their rivals. Coach Mitchell emphasized the importance of staying ahead, “We can dominate the world for a long time, but the world’s going to get better, so this is just the start.”
The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2023 has undoubtedly elevated the sport, with England’s triumph serving as a catalyst for further development and recognition of women’s rugby on the international stage.
