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Abby Dow magic seals Red Roses' ticket to World Cup finals

By AAP
Abby Dow runs in the match-defining try for the Red Roses. Photo by Andy Jackson - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

Seven months after breaking her leg, England’s Abby Dow has scored a length-of-the-field try to help her side to a Rugby World Cup semi-final win over Canada.

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England have booked their place in the women’s Rugby World Cup final with a nailbiting 26-19 win over Canada at Auckland’s Eden Park.

Abby Dow’s breathtaking length-of-the-field breakaway try 10 minutes into the second half was decisive.

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Less than seven months after breaking her right leg playing for England against Wales, Dow capped a move that started behind her own try line to break Canada’s resistance and send the tournament favourites to a record-extending 30th consecutive win.

With England 18-12 to the good, the Canadians had been camped on their opponent’s line, with several players going close to nabbing a crucial score.

After mounting pressure, England forced a turnover and set in motion a flowing move that ended with Dow racing from near halfway to touch down a memorable matchwinner.

“It was incredible,” England captain Sarah Hunter said.

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“Canada really tested us, for rugby fans I hope that was an advertisement for what women’s rugby is all about.

“Canada were relentless and the girls put their bodies on the line.”

Hosts New Zealand take on France later on Saturday as they look to retain the title they won in Ireland in 2017.

England, who last won the title in 2014 when they defeated the Canadians in France, will be appearing in the final for the sixth tournament in a row and eighth time in total.

“I am proud of the girls,” Canada head coach Kevin Rouet said of his side, who now look forward to the third-place play-off.

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“It’s about details and England were better than us on details.

“There are more than a few missed opportunities for us. We’ll be back.”

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 5 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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