England played for more than three quarters of the match with 14 women after Lydia Thompson was sent off for a reckless tackle but still looked on course for a 31st successive victory with a two-point lead going into the last 10 minutes.
"I'm so proud of our team," said New Zealand co-captain and player of the match Ruahei Demant. "Last year we went on the northern tour and we got pumped. We sacrificed so much to get the one chance to win a World Cup at home and we did it.A hat-trick from hooker Amy Cokayne off the rolling maul and tries from flanker Marlie Packer and fullback Ellie Kildunne had kept England ahead for all but 15 of the 80 minutes.
"This will go down as one of the great experiences of my life. I love these women, I love what they've done to get here."England, overwhelming favourites to claim a third title, started at a canter and were two tries to the good before Thompson was dismissed for clattering into Portia Woodman head high.
Leti-l'iga had replaced Woodman and she finished brilliantly after 25 minutes to get New Zealand back within five points but Cokayne was soon touching down again off another catch-and-drive to put England ahead at 26-14.
NZ have won the Women's W/C 6 out of the last 7, so not so much of a crazy result right?
Put em in the finals, and they will win.
Wow, I didn't even know the World Cup started yet. I need to get into soccer.
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