There were definitely a lot of emotions in the changing room after our semi-final loss to Canada, having had such a big build up for three years and then not getting the result that we wanted.
Everyone has played an important role getting around each other. We’ve been lucky to have so many of our whānau travel over here so being surrounded by our loved ones that support you no matter what has been special. Our whole management team has been incredible, we’ve been able to feel our feelings and figure out the best way to set a new platform to move forward the following week. We’re in a good space!
Canada were awesome on the day and they've had a great campaign so far. We're really proud of our effort on the night. We just couldn't finish the job, and we're pretty gutted, but the team's picked up and we're looking forward to the Bronze Final this weekend.
The way the game at Ashton Gate unfolded felt a bit like quicksand: the more we struggled the more trouble we found ourselves in. We came in at half-time and it felt like we hadn't had much momentum, it didn't feel like we'd been able to put any phases together. That just came down to discipline in the end. By the 61st minute the penalty count was about ten to one. So when you're getting penalised that often against a strong team like Canada, who were capitalising on those and turning it into territory, it made it a pretty hard day for us. Our own errors let us down in that area, so we're really pretty disappointed with that.
We came in at half-time and it felt like we hadn't had much momentum, it didn't feel like we'd been able to pull any phases together. That just came down to discipline and not finishing the opportunities we created in the end. By the 61st minute the penalty count was about ten to one. So when you're getting penalised that often against a strong team like Canada, who were capitalising on those and turning it into territory and points on the scoreboard, it made it a pretty hard day for us.
As I said, Canada were incredible. We've had some challenging games up against them in the last couple of years, and we've really enjoyed playing them. They play a fun, expansive style, and they're really good across the board. So in a game against them, you can't afford to not be at your best, because they were on the day. It made it pretty hard for us.
Still, it was pretty cool to see the heart shown by our players out on the field at the end of the game where they refused to give up. I didn't expect anything less. This team will always give their all on the field for each other, for the ones that are at home, and for the country.
The way they finished made me really proud. Hopefully we can do that for a little bit longer this weekend, because even though it's a Bronze Final, there is still a lot to fight for. We want to finish on a high. It's been an awesome campaign so far, we've just enjoyed each other's company on and off the field, and we're just hoping we can put out that performance we've been waiting for.
The whole occasion of this Rugby World Cup has been amazing. We thought our World Cup was big in New Zealand, but England has really put on a show! The crowds turned up for us and the investment in the women's game over here is pretty cool to see. It's been one of my career highlights, playing in these full stadiums with everyone just loving and supporting women's rugby. So this weekend I know it's going to be an amazing spectacle, that final between Canada and England. There's nothing like playing in the final of a home World Cup.
I can't believe it's actually coming to an end. Our opening game in York feels like a while ago, but it also feels like it's all gone really fast. I've definitely made the most of it during all my days here and have absolutely loved interacting with the fans. That's the really cool thing about the women's game, is all the personalities and the characters up close after the game.
The fans have made little gifts for us, or little notes, and when we leave the changing room almost an hour and a half or two hours after the final whistle, the fans are still there clapping us onto the bus whether we win or lose. We've felt the love and it's pretty special. I just want to thank everyone here, and all those who have flown over to be part of this Rugby World Cup and make it what it is.
I'm joining up with Ealing Trailfinders after the tournament, so I'm not going back to New Zealand after this which will be interesting as I've lived in Christchurch my whole life.
First though, a big game at Twickenham. We're looking forward to having your support for one more week as we look to bring home the bronze.
See you all on Saturday.
Alana
