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‘Dream come true’: Aldcroft reacts to Red Roses’ World Cup triumph
By Finn Morton at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
England captain Zoe Aldcroft carried the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy into the post-match press conference on Saturday, smiling from ear to ear after leading the Red Roses to a dream-like tournament triumph on home soil.
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Three years on from the Red Roses’ devastating defeat to the Black Ferns in the last World Cup Final, England extended their winning streak to 33 Tests. It was a momentous 33-13 win over Canada, as England claimed the top prize in front of a record crowd at Allianz Stadium.
With more than 81,000 fans watching on from the stands at the iconic rugby venue, Aldcroft led the Red Roses onto the field, while Alex Tessier did the same for Canada. With one last match left at this World Cup, the top two sides in women’s rugby walked out onto the field.
Canada beat New Zealand last week in Bristol, ending the Black Ferns’ reign as the champions of women’s rugby. England had booked their spot in the decider with a win over France, setting the stage for the 80 minutes of truth on September 27.
Ellie Kildunne opened the scoring for England, with the Red Roses scoring 21 unanswered points as they took control of the final. When the full-time whistle sounded, the Twickenham crowd cheered as England brought an end to their 11-year Women’s World Cup title drought.
“Honestly, it is unbelievable. It’s literally what dreams are made of,” Aldcroft told reporters.
“We’ve had so much belief in this group, we’ve built something so special over the last three years and today was just about sticking to our process and just believing in ourselves. Everyone just had to do their own job and that is what everyone did today.
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“I’m so proud of every single one of those girls. Honestly, it was such an amazing occasion as well playing in front of 82,000 people. That was next level and I think it was a chance to redefine women’s rugby.
“We’ve been on this journey ‘for the girls’ and it wasn’t just for the girls in that circle but the girls that we also inspire, and the girls who have come before us and also for everyone who supports us and wants to be part of us as the Red Roses.
“It was just amazing. A dream come true.”
Kildunne scored yet another individually brilliant try in the seventh minute, before Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews added another five points each. Sophie de Goede converted a late penalty for Canada, but the tournament hosts led 21-8 at the break.
Abbie Ward and a second for Matthews propelled the Red Roses towards rugby immortality on the biggest stage. Hannah Botterman was shown a yellow card during the second half, but the English rallied in defence, which proved to be the difference.
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“I think I felt knackered after that final whistle. A little bit of sense of relief but just a sense of, oh my goodness, we have done this, it’s a dream come true,” Aldcroft reflected.
“To do it with the group of girls that we have is just unbelievable. I have so much love for every single one of those 32 that are out there; the girls that prepare us in the week, that is so special, the job that they do.
“It’s taken 32 of us to be able to do this today and the staff that we have.”
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