England have been beaten in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final after a dramatic 34-31 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland.
The Red Roses, who were going in search of their third World Cup, were forced to play for over an hour with 14 players and looked set to hold on before a stunning late try from the hosts.
England started superbly and led after three minutes but their task was made considerably harder in the 18 th minute when Lydia Thompson was sent off for a high tackle.
New Zealand fought back and ended the second half the stronger before a stunning start to the second period in front of a record crowd of 42,579 for the women’s game.
Krystal Murray put New Zealand in front for the first time early in the second half but Amy Cockayne's hat-trick turned things around again as England looked set to hold on.
But their winning run of 30 matches came to an end after a stunning late try from Ayesha Leti-l'iga broke their hearts.
England came within metres of a try with just seconds remaining but New Zealand managed to get a hand in the line-out to tip the ball and claim their sixth World Cup.
The Red Roses players were left in tears at the final whistle as their opponents celebrated but can be proud of another incredible run.
Speaking at full time, captain Sarah Hunter admitted: "I'm gutted. So proud of the team, we came out fighting. We had our backs against the wall for 60 minutes but we never gave up.
"One result doesn’t define the squad that we are, the people we are. Hopefully we have inspired the next generation back home and given themselves something to be proud of.
"Sport is cruel. Credit to New Zealand they found a way and they go home as deserved champions. We left no stone unturned, we left everything on the pitch. We are hurting."
A joyful New Zealand captain Ruahei Demant said: "It's been very challenging, last year we got pumped on the northern tour and we have turned ourselves around. We sacrificed so much to win a World Cup at home and we did it.
"We hope we have inspired the next generation. That was an 80-minute slog. England came in as favourites so massive congratulations to them, they are an awesome team."
