NEW ZEALAND 34 ENGLAND 31: Heartache for Red Roses as they lose thrilling rugby world cup final after Thompson sent off

NEW ZEALAND captured the women’s rugby world cup crown in a thrilling encounter on home turf.

England’s heroes could not bring it home as they failed to beat the odds after having a red card in the 18th minute.

GettyThe Black Ferns won a dramatic encounter when they stole a lineout on the final whistle[/caption]

GettyLydia Thompson was sent off early doors as she left a New Zealand winger dazed[/caption]

PAHooker Amy Cokayne scored a vital hat-trick to keep the Red Roses in front for most of the game[/caption]

Lydia Thompson hit her opposition winger Portia Woodman with a nasty head-on-head collision.

The Red Roses utilised the rolling maul as they dominated from the lineout.

But in the 49th minute, New Zealand went ahead for the first time as Krystal Murray bulldozed over from one of their own.

An Amy Cokayne hat-trick kept the Red Roses in a good position.

However, Ayesha Leti-I’iga slid over for the final try of the game, tipping the scoreline in the favour of the hosts as they lifted the trophy.

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