Lydia Thompson and Lark Davies were frustrated in their efforts for four straight wins as England were defeated 28-13 by New Zealand in the final game of the Women’s Rugby Super Series.
Warriors Women wing Thompson started the game in San Diego alongide teammate Davies who was part of the front row at hooker.
In sunny, dry conditions in Southern California, New Zealand were down to 14 players inside four minutes when Toka Natua was sent to the sin bin, and Emily Scarratt knocked over the resultant penalty for the first points of the game.
Kendra Cocksedge’s penalty levelled a few minutes later, but the first try of the match went England’s way when quick rucking saw the ball spun to Scarratt and the outside centre stretched over to score, and got up to add the conversion.
Cocksedge’s jinking run set up the platform for the first Black Ferns try as they spun it out to Renee Wickliffe to dive over, and the Kiwi wing then intercepted the ball on the edge of the 22 to race under the sticks for her second – Cocksedge adding the extras for a 10-15 lead at the break to the Kiwis.
Scarratt’s penalty was the first points of the second half as England got back within two points and New Zealand were down to 14 players again when Te Kura Ngata-Arerengemate was penalised for offside.
In a tight, physical second half it was Cocksedge’s two penalties and Wickliffe’s supporting line on the inside saw her complete her hat-trick that secured the win and the title for the Black Ferns.
England’s Super Series 2019 Results
England 38-5 USA
England 19-17 Canada
England 20-18 France
England 13-28 New Zealand
Photo credit | David Barpal