Rugby World Cup final delivers stunning spectacle for fans
Eden Park has been home to many a spectacle over the years, but never anything like the one last night.
A Rugby World Cup final between the host nation and the best team in the world, played in front of one of the most joyous crowds to have ever filled the iconic venue, decided in dramatic fashion after the hooter.
It featured all the action you could ask for – a red card, a yellow card, 11 tries and a total of 65 points – and in a change from most of the events the ground has hosted over the years, the players were women.
It was the home team, the Black Ferns, who emerged triumphant, 34-31, halting England’s unbeaten run at 30 tests in front
of a 42,579-strong crowd – a new record for a women’s rugby match.
A year ago, New Zealand hit rock bottom, losing heavily to England and France on their end-of-year tour – results that led to a critical review of their team environment and a change of coach just over six months ago.
When the final whistle blew last night, after the Black Ferns stole an English lineout on their own five-metre line, there was nothing but joy – followed by hugs and tears.
The rain and thunderstorms forecast earlier in the week were nowhere to be seen ahead of the match. It was a perfect late spring evening and the sun shone down as a dance party broke out in the stands.
On the outer oval, the Black Ferns were a picture of concentration as they went about their warm-ups, but there was still time for a bit of fun, with wing Portia Woodman spotted having a wee boogie to Jennifer Lopez’ Let’s Get Loud as it bled through from next door.
Her involvement in the match sadly ended early when England wing Lydia Thompson collided with her and left her lying prone on the ground. Thompson was shown a red card for making head-on-head contact, changing the nature of the game for the hour that remained.
Woodman was able to get back to her feet and was driven off the field with wife and team-mate Renee Wickliffe by her side.
The Black Ferns took the lead in the 72nd minute, through Woodman’s replacement, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, but after that they had to twice deny England’s lineout, their biggest weapon.
Eden Park has been hosting rugby tests for 101 years but there have only been three nights where women have had top billing – the opening matchday of this World Cup five weeks ago, the semifinals last weekend and last night’s final.
The five largest crowds for women’s sport in New Zealand history have been recorded over the past six weekends, putting the old record of 16,162 for an under-17 football match in 2008, firmly in its place.
After the Black Ferns’ nail-biting win over France last weekend, Ruby Tui looked forward to the final saying: ‘‘Let’s do something great together, New Zealand’’.
Last night, they did just that, winning a sixth world title on a night that will live long in this rugby nation’s memory.