Manawatu Standard

Black Ferns rule the world

- Joseph Pearson joseph.pearson@stuff.co.nz

The Black Ferns have been on the rollercoas­ter of their lives in a historic Rugby World Cup and finished with the euphoria of a sixth title before a world record crowd for the women’s game at Eden Park.

An outcome where they would beat the northern powerhouse­s, France then England, to lift the trophy they call ‘‘Nancy’’ seemed improbable only five months ago.

However, they beat both in similarly dramatic conclusion­s and did so with heart, some good fortune, determinat­ion, attacking flair, oodles of joy and fun which captured the public’s imaginatio­n, and a clinical efficiency of world champions in big moments.

The campaign began amid the turbulent fallout from last year’s troubled northern tour and the team’s damning culture review.

It ended with a magical night in Auckland on Saturday, completing a remarkable comeback in a dramatic final against world No 1 England, whose record winning streak ended at 30 after more than three years of dominance in which they have accelerate­d the game’s tentative steps into profession­alism.

It wasn’t meant to be for England, despite a heroic effort with a player less after Lydia Thompson’s crucial red card in the 18th minute for rushing late into a tackle, clashing heads with Kiwi superstar Portia Woodman, who

 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? The Black Ferns soak up the adulation of the Eden Park crowd after winning the Rugby World Cup final against England in Auckland on Saturday night.
GETTY IMAGES The Black Ferns soak up the adulation of the Eden Park crowd after winning the Rugby World Cup final against England in Auckland on Saturday night.
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