Women's Rugby World Cup: England win 'surreal' - Gary Street
Last updated on .From the section English Rugby
England's 21-9 victory over Canada in the Women's Rugby World Cup final felt "surreal" and a "bit like a dream", said head coach Gary Street.
Centre Emily Scarratt scored 16 points as England, who had lost the last three finals, won in Paris to claim the title for the first time since 1994.
"I still can't quite believe we're world champions," said England vice-captain Sarah Hunter.
"We're just so proud of everyone involved," added Street.
"We've been on a long journey but to have that trophy makes it worthwhile. It's a pretty amazing feeling."
Full-back Danielle Waterman scored a first-half try and Scarratt crossed late on as England won the tournament for only the second time, having beaten the United States in the 1994 final.
"You dream about being an England captain and lifting the World Cup," said skipper Katy Mclean. "That's something I've just gone and done."
She added: "It's a team sport and you have such a bond within the group. I've never felt that as much as I have with this group of players and staff. Every single one is a world champion, it's amazing."
England had lost the last three finals to New Zealand - in 2002, 2006 and 2010 - but their experience proved decisive this time as they beat a Canada side playing in their first.
| Previous World Cup finals | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | United States | 19-6 | England |
| 1994 | England | 38-23 | United States |
| 1998 | New Zealand | 44-12 | United States |
| 2002 | New Zealand | 19-9 | England |
| 2006 | New Zealand | 25-17 | England |
| 2010 | New Zealand | 13-10 | England |
"It perhaps wasn't our best performance and it didn't quite click at times, but the true team showed that, when we're under pressure, we keep going, picking each other up off the floor," added Hunter.
"Our defence was simply outstanding."
Prime Minister David Cameron was among those paying tribute, tweeting: "Huge congratulations to England women on their first World Cup triumph in 20 years. Your country is so proud of you."
England's 2003 men's Rugby World Cup winners Jason Robinson, Lawrence Dallaglio and Richard Hill also congratulated Street's side.
Former England captain Dallaglio called the team "inspirational", while ex-England back rower Richard Hill tweeted: "Congratulations ladies. A proud day. I'm sure Tuesday training sessions feel worth it now!"
England were in a strong position to win after two Scarratt penalties and Waterman's try put them 11-0 ahead after 31 minutes.
Canada's Magali Harvey kicked a penalty shortly before half-time and then another two after the break to make the score 11-9.
Even though Scarratt was successful with another penalty shortly afterwards, it was only when she scored a converted try in the closing minutes that England began to look safe.
Street added: "Huge credit to Canada as well. I thought that they were excellent and made it extremely tough for us."
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Real shame it was not on terrestrial TV so more people could share this excellent victory
People said thats womens cycling wouldn't get anyone to watch either, but just look what the womens tour of britain did. Its not about PC its about giving the opportunity to view a world championship sport.
For the misogynists out there:
Women are on average, smaller, weaker and slower than men, this is why they compete against each other and not against men, but to become the 'world champions' they have to beat the rest, just like men do.
They've beaten all that's been put in front of them and without being paid a penny for doing so, that deserves nothing but praise IMO.
Worst of all we think this is okay. Have some pride in your country and the athletes who represent it.
We should be supporting sports and players at all levels and both genders
First you do nothing but criticise, even including bare-faced lies in your 'criticism', then you have the audacity to use the phrase "free speech" when attacking those who disagree with your original comments.
The words, 'bigoted hypocrit' spring to mind here.
The tackling was fierce and correct. The passing and handling spot on. Tactics great.
Yes it should be on BBC as it will encourage young girls to participate. The ground was almost full despite what others say.
What was evident is how the ladies enjoy themselves.
From an ex professional player.
Stade Jean Bouin has a capacity of 20,000. All tickets for yesterday's three games were sold.
Last time I checked, 20,000 was a higher figure than 16.671.
Our hearts go out to any female lucky enough to share her life with you.
How much did you pay for her?
I think you missed my point Horace, you do not have to like the sport, nor watch it. If watching over paid actors is your thing, then watch them and enjoy them.
I used to enjoy watching football, but found myself disgusted every week by the antics of professional players.
This tournament was a refreshing change to the usual dross that is dished up in the name of sport.
Well done England and congratulations to every player who took part, the organisers and officials too.
"The tickets were about 7p to get in and still no one bothered"
"Sky took a punt on it and about 6 people tuned in"
Meanwhile, on Planet Earth.
4 HOURS AGO
Just look at the photo at the top of the article to see why this was not on terrestrial tv - the stadium was empty."
What an idiotic comment. That photo was taken after the presentations. England didn't get their medals until at least 20 minutes after the game finished.
Guess what? The majority of French supporters had left.