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Black Ferns beat England in thriller to regain Women's Rugby World Cup

New Zealand and England contest the Women’s Rugby World Cup final

Toka Natua scored a hat-trick as New Zealand came from behind to regain the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a 41-32 victory over defending champions England at Belfast’s Kingspan Stadium.

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The Black Ferns won four World Cups in a row between 1998 and 2010, beating England in the final three times, but it was the Red Roses who triumphed at the last edition of the event three years ago.

Another England win appeared likely on Saturday when they responded to Selica Winiata’s early try by opening up a 17-5 lead after 33 minutes, aided by a yellow card for Sarah Goss.

However, New Zealand came roaring back to secure a fifth title, with prop Natua doing much of the damage as she crossed on three occasions.

Kendra Cocksedge and Charmaine Smith also touched down for New Zealand, who were much the stronger in the second period.

Touchdowns from Lydia Thompson (2) and Izzy Noel-Smith, in addition to a penalty try, ultimately proved in vain for England.

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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