New Zealand was a prophet in his land. The Black Ferns asserted their status as favorites in the temple of rugby and were proclaimed world champions for the sixth time in their history (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017 and 2022). In a packed Eden Park in Auckland (42,579 spectators) they beat England in a close and exciting final (34-31).
The World Cup should have been held in 2021, but the pandemic and the severe restrictions of the oceanic country postponed the event for a year. With the trophy accrediting Wayne Smith's women as the best in the world and with the medals already around their necks, the players, most of them ethnic Maori, performed a final haka before their obviously surrendered audience.
As in 2017 in Belfast, the Red Roses fell again against New Zealand, although this Saturday they did so with their heads held high. For more than an hour they had to play with a player less due to Lydia Thompson's dismissal in the 18th minute. Even so, the English went into the break with the score in favor.
The Black Ferns were unable to settle the clash until the 72nd minute, when substitute Ayesha Leti-I'iga got her second try of the night. There she finished the match despite the great level shown by hooker Amy Cokayne, with three tries, rowing for England until the end.
"We have sacrificed a lot to have the only chance to win a World Cup at home and we did it. We hope that our country is proud and that we have inspired the next generation of Black Ferns," said Ruahei Demant, captain of the hosts. .
"Sometimes sports is cruel. I'm so proud of how the team has competed, not just tonight but for the last three years," said counterpart Sarah Hunter. England had gone 30 games without defeat.
New Zealand's win will serve to heal old wounds. Last April, a report from the federation of that country revealed a series of abuses such as favoritism, isolation, criticism of the body and culturally insensitive comments, perpetrated against the Maori and Pacific Island players of its women's team.
