England and New Zealand battled it out in Saturday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final in Auckland, but the tournament’s two most-favoured teams will meet in next Saturday’s final.
The British went on to win their 30th in a row (26-19), although Canada made things difficult for them and they stayed in the match until the end.
Reigning world champions New Zealand were on the brink of defeat in a very close game against France, with just two minutes to go. In the 78th minute they missed a penalty chance 30 meters from the goalpost, but French striker Caroline Drouin missed her shot.
The Black Ferns finally won 25 to 24 and can look for a sixth crown on Saturday at Eden Park in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2017. The Englishmen will be fighting for their third title. , after achieving in 1994 and 2014.
– Saturday’s results in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals in Auckland:
England 26 Canada 19
New Zealand 25 France 24
– Program for Saturday, November 12
Match for third place:
(4:30 pm local, 03:30 GMT) France – Canada
Final:
(7:30pm local, 6:30am GMT) New Zealand v England
lrb/jr/gk/dam