From their unstoppable pack, led by two-time try scorer Alex Matthews, to a backline lit up by Ellie Kildunne, the Red Roses turned it on when it really mattered to lift the Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy for the third time in history – and the first since 2014.
Story of the match
While England started the final on the back of a record 32-match unbeaten run, all 81,885 packed into Allianz Stadium - a world record for a women’s rugby match - were well aware that the women-in-white lost the RWC 2021 Final on the back of a similar streak. And the Canadians did their utmost to seize on those nerves, striking first, thanks to lively winger Asia Hogan-Rochester.
But when England need something up stepped Kildunne. Last season's World Player of the Year has been imperious throughout her home Rugby World Cup, but this was something else. There was seemingly nothing on when the full-back took the ball just inside the Canada half. She saw it differently, stepping inside two defenders before carving through the infield to touch down.
The noise deafening, England’s pack took over. First it was the rolling maul, a weapon Canada – like the rest of the world – knew all about but simply had no answer to. A try for hooker Amy Cockayne was swiftly followed by one for Matthews, slipped in by a delightful off-load from scrum-half Natasha Hunt.
Somehow Canada held out until half-time, England’s 21-8 lead barely reflecting their dominance.
But the break did not stop the white wave, with Abbie Ward powering over five minutes into the second-half, after more great work from her fellow forwards.
Outstanding through the tournament, Canada did hit back. Again it was Hogan-Rochester touching down with England down to 14 players, after a yellow card for prop Hannah Botterman.
But after weathering a strong 10 minutes for the world No.2 ranked side, who ran England close in last season WXV 1 final, England pulled away once more. Matthews punching through for her second try with 11 minutes left.
Heartbreak for Canada who lose to England for the second time in a RWC final.
Delirium for the tournament hosts whose celebrations have barely started.
Mastercard Player of the Match
Immense either side of the ball, openside flanker Sadia Kabeya made a crunching 20 tackles, as well as providing the link for her sparkling backs. Aware of what it feels like to lose a RWC final, the 23-year-old was overjoyed to be named a world champion.
"It sounds amazing, it's a pinch-me moment, but it's been years and years in the making and I'm so pleased we could pull it off," Kabeya said. "Canada are a great side. We worked them really hard and we did all the right things today and that showed in the game.
"It's amazing. I want to say thank you to everyone who came out today. You are our 16th man on the pitch. We are just so grateful.
"All I can say is big up South London!"
Player & coach insight
England captain Zoe Aldcroft:
"We smashed it out there today and I can't thank the girls enough for putting their bodies on the line. There are 82,000 people here. I can't thank them enough, and everyone watching at home.
"I knew those girls could put a performance out like that. There was no doubt in our minds coming into this that we were going to do the job.
"We talked about reinventing women's rugby. We want to inspire so many young girls to pick up a rugby ball or a football and do anything they want in the world. If you dream big enough you can get it, and we dreamed big enough today."
England head coach John Mitchell:
""It's been three years in the making. The past certainly dictates the now and the girls hung tough in the whole tournament and connected with the nation. I thought we were superb defensively in the tournament; our attack didn't need to be at its best but it was effective enough to get the job done.
"We had massive respect for Canada. They are very good at picking and going but I thought we did a fantastic job in our plans around that area. They lost a lot of momentum today. They are a good side, but they hadn't come up against us and we were waiting."
Canada captain Alex Tessier:
"Good on them, I think they pressured us - at set-pieces, especially at scrum. We didn't quite know what to do at times. Of course, it's harder when the scrum doesn't go your way, it makes it a little bit difficult.
"We started the game a bit flat and couldn't quite find out rhythm, then the connection wasn't there at times. We didn't panic but we didn't manage to play our game and I think that cost us the game in the long run."
Canada head coach Kevin Rouet:
"They're right on time, that was their best performance of the tournament today - in the final. What can I say? They're a good team, they're well-drilled, and the better team won today.
"I think they were just better than us. Against England, if you don't score when you have to score, you can't win the game.
"I hope the future will be very bright but we know sometimes people will forget and we might have to wait four years."
Stat of the day
That is the number of days since this England team last lost a rugby match. A world record streak that now encompasses 33 matches, with no doubt which victory means the most.
