New Zealand retain World Cup crown

England’s women pushed New Zealand all the way before going down 25-17 in tonight’s hard-fought rugby union World Cup final in Edmonton.

The champions retained their crown the hard way against an England side who dominated much of the first half and – after shipping two tries either side of the break – battled their way back into contention to trail by only three points approaching the final whistle.

The final act of the game was to be New Zealand’s, though – a try wide out on the left touchline in the fourth minute of added time.

There was no doubt the winners had been pushed all the way, and new Zealand captain Farah Palmer paid tribute to England as well as her own team.

“It is an amazing feeling to win,” she said.

“It was a really intense game. England made it very hard. We had to give it heaps.”