"If this were a movie, the scriptwriters would be shoo-ins for an Oscar, the plot centred on a dominant team who overcame the heartbreak of losing two back-to-back Rugby World Cup finals to complete an eight-year redemption arc and become world champions again by beating Canada. Before Saturday's final, England had lost just once in 63 games and that blot on their record stained everything. But no more."
"They are on top of the world for a third time and this victory may taste all the sweeter for being in front of 81,885 people, a world record crowd. This triumph will leave an ever-changing impact on the sport in England. It was just a few years ago when the Red Roses would run out to a few thousand fans who had stayed behind after the men had played at Twickenham."
"Ellie Kildunne's brilliant individual attacking sizzle will rightfully be in the spotlight once again with her efforts making the attacking difference, but Alex Matthews and Sadia Kabeya must share some of the sunshine. The No 8 is ever-consistent in an England shirt and showed up on the biggest stage with two tries, while player of the match Kabeya fronted up in defence."
England completed an eight-year redemption arc by defeating Canada to become world champions for a third time. England had lost just once in 63 games before the final, and that single blot had loomed over the team until the victory. The final attracted 81,885 spectators, a world record crowd. The Red Roses now draw large audiences, generate profit for the Rugby Football Union, and deliver major silverware. Ellie Kildunne produced outstanding individual attacking play and responded immediately to Canada's early try. Alex Matthews scored twice and Sadia Kabeya excelled in defence, while Canada opened the scoring through Asia Hogan-Rochester following a lost lineout.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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