Rugby World Cup: England ‘gutted’ after loss however refuse in charge Lydia Thompson’s purple card for defeat | Rugby Union Information

New Zealand win 34-31 to say the Rugby World Cup for a sixth time and finish England’s 30-match successful streak; Lydia Thompson despatched off for the Purple Roses through the first half of an unbelievable ultimate in Auckland

England captain Sarah Hunter believes the Purple Roses will be pleased with their World Cup efficiency and insists Lydia Thompson’s purple card can’t be solely blamed for his or her “merciless” defeat to New Zealand within the ultimate.

The Purple Roses noticed their 30-match successful streak led to an epic contest in opposition to the match hosts and defending champions, as they have been overwhelmed 34-31 in entrance of a sell-out crowd at Eden Park.

England spent greater than an hour with 14 gamers after Thompson was despatched off for a reckless deal with, though Simon Middleton’s facet led for big spells earlier than being overwhelmed by the Black Ferns in a World Cup ultimate for a fifth time.

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2003 Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood says the Rugby World Cup ‘has transcended an 80-minute sport’ and believes the Purple Roses will promote Twickenham out within the subsequent few years.

“I am gutted,” Hunter stated. “I am so pleased with the workforce, we got here out combating. We had our backs in opposition to the wall for 60 minutes however we by no means gave up.

“One consequence does not outline the squad that we’re, the individuals we’re. Hopefully now we have impressed the following technology again house and given themselves one thing to be pleased with.

“Sport is merciless. Credit score to New Zealand, they discovered a method and so they go house as deserved champions. We left no stone unturned, we left every little thing on the pitch. We’re hurting.”

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1994 Rugby World Cup winner Giselle Mather says the Purple Roses ‘have given every little thing for the trigger’ throughout their Rugby World Cup ultimate defeat.

How did the purple card affect England?

England made the dream begin and have been 14-0 forward after early tries from Ellie Kildunne and Amy Cokayne, just for New Zealand to be gifted a method again into the sport within the 18th minute with Thompson’s dismissal.

“It [the red card] did not assist,” Middleton admitted. “It undoubtedly affected how the sport was performed. You take a look at the factors they scored instantly down the facet – it is tough to defend. We needed to adapt however if you’ve obtained 14 and canopy one space then it weakens you in one other.

“Good groups discover you out and so they discovered us out a bit bit, so it made a troublesome sport a complete lot more durable, however we took it right down to the final play and the sport was within the steadiness when the hooter had gone.

“You can not overstate how proud I’m and the remainder of the employees are of the gamers and the way pleased with they need to be of themselves. To get that shut, with so many challenges that went on by way of the sport, was immense and it reveals what the squad is all about.”

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Former England worldwide Vicky Fleetwood says that England’s gamers shall be heart-broken by their defeat within the World Cup ultimate.

The Purple Roses battled valiantly and held a slender two-point benefit till Ayesha Leti-I’iga scored the successful strive 9 minutes from time, with Hunter adamant that Thompson has the total backing of her England teammates.

“Lydia’s hurting, she’s such an incredible individual, an incredible participant and in moments like this we have to come round her,” Hunter stated. “There’s one factor for positive – and that wasn’t the explanation we misplaced the sport.

“We’re a workforce that’s as one and we can’t level any fingers or establish a single individual on the top consequence. We have her again, we’ll take care of her, we’ll put an arm round her and ensure she’s alright.

“In video games, individuals get sent-off and groups nonetheless win. I do not suppose it essentially outlined the result. It makes it tougher, but it surely’s not the only motive why we weren’t on the top of the consequence we needed this night.”

Positives to take for Purple Roses?

Middleton stated within the build-up to the World Cup that something lower than a win for England could be a disappointment, however the head coach stated afterwards he has seen progress from his facet through the match.

England narrowly missed out on World Cup victory in New Zealand

“That is the overwhelming feeling, how proud I’m and we’re of the gamers, Middleton stated “They gave completely every little thing. Not simply, tonight however for 50, 51 days. They’ve given nothing however their best possible each single day.”

“When it comes to our objectives, it’s [disappointing not to win]. Discuss to any of the gamers and so they’ll say precisely the identical. However we gained on large fronts.

“We needed to go away these shores a greater workforce than we got here. We did 100 per cent. We have misplaced tonight however gained massively over the past 51 days.”