Toka Natua bags three as Kiwis claim fifth World Cup

NEW ZEALAND wrecked England’s hopes of retaining the Women’s Rugby World Cup in a pulsating final at Belfast’s Ravenhill Stadium.

Prop Toka Natua led the way, scoring a hat-trick of tries, while there were also touchdowns for full-back Selica Winiata (two), lock Charmaine Smith and scrum-half Kendra Cocksedge, with Cocksedge adding three conversions.

Wing Lydia Thompson scored two tries for England, in addition to a seven-point penalty try, plus a late Izzy Noel-Smith touchdown, and full-back Emily Scarratt booted two penalties and two conversions, yet New Zealand were not to be denied a fifth world title.

England gave it everything, but they had no answer in the second half, conceding 31 points as New Zealand’s superior pace and power left them reeling.

England boss Simon Middleton made an enforced change from the semi-final victory over France, moving Scarratt to full-back as replacement for a concussed Danielle Waterman, while Megan Jones was drafted into midfield alongside Rachel Burford.

And England blasted out of the blocks, creating pressure through their forwards following a superbly placed Katy Mclean kick, and New Zealand were immediately forced into defensive mode.

But the Black Ferns struck from their first attack when fly-half Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali kicked cleverly into space and Winiata showed England’s defence a clean pair of heels for an opening try inside 10 minutes. Scarratt then opened England’s account through a 14th-minute penalty.

New Zealand were then reduced to 14 players after flanker Sarah Goss was harshly yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle on Mclean, and England, having dominated early territory, knew they needed to make that advantage count.

But they duly delivered, with England’s pack exerting sustained pressure near New Zealand’s line before referee Joy Neville awarded a penalty try, which meant the holders led 10-5.

The Red Roses struck again nine minutes before half-time when centre Rachael Burford broke through and Mclean sent Thomp-