The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 final between New Zealand and England was a dramatic and closely contested match, ending in a 34-31 victory for New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland. This victory marked New Zealand’s sixth World Cup title, while England’s narrow defeat ended their impressive 30-match winning streak. The game was particularly notable for England playing with a player down for more than an hour after Lydia Thompson was sent off for a high tackle on New Zealand’s Portia Woodman. Despite the disadvantage, England scored five tries, including a hat-trick by Amy Cokayne. However, New Zealand’s persistent effort paid off with Ayesha Leti-I’iga scoring a crucial try in the 71st minute, securing the win for the Black Ferns in front of a sell-out home crowd
The tournament was held across three venues in the Auckland and Northland regions of New Zealand, with Eden Park hosting the semi-finals, third place play-off, and final. Qualification for the World Cup included automatic entries for the top seven finishers at the 2017 tournament, with New Zealand qualifying as hosts and previous winners. A total of twelve teams competed, representing regions across the globe, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
The significance of this match in the context of women’s rugby cannot be overstated. It was a showcase of skill, determination, and the growing competitiveness of the sport. The dramatic nature of the game, the record attendance, and the global audience highlighted the increasing popularity and importance of women’s rugby. This match, and the tournament as a whole, played a crucial role in advancing the profile of women’s rugby on the international stage, demonstrating the high level of play and the intense rivalries that exist, akin to their male counterparts. The success of this World Cup also reflected the progress in gender equality within the sport, showcasing the investment in and development of women’s rugby by national federations and international governing bodies.