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.
