Summary

  • New Zealand win dramatic final to retain World Cup

  • England reduced to 14 players in 18th minute after wing Lydia Thompson sent off for high tackle

  • Amy Cokayne (two), Marlie Packer and Ellie Kildunne tries gave England 26-19 half-time lead

  • Cokayne scored her third try as lead changed hands in second half

  • Ayesha Leti-l'iga's late try secured victory for the hosts

  • Record crowd in Auckland of 42,579 for a woman's game

Live Reporting

Tom Rostance

  1. Who will win?

    New Zealand v England (06:30 GMT)

    Becky Grey
    BBC Sport in Auckland

    England team arriveGetty Images

    The final is likely to be a big clash of playing styles.

    England have favoured a forwards-focused game, driving the ball over the tryline after a line-out.

    Contrastingly, the Black Ferns play chaotically, throwing the ball around and making use of star wings Portia Woodman and Ruby Tui to score tries.

    New Zealand are chasing a sixth World Cup, having never lost in the final, while England seek a third after becoming world champions in 1994 and 2014.

    England were given full-time contracts in 2019 and the Black Ferns only got them in February 2022.

  2. Team news

    New Zealand v England (06:30 GMT)

    New ZealandGetty Images

    New Zealand: Holmes; Tui, Fluhler, Fitzpatrick, Woodman; Demant (capt), Cocksedge; Love, Ponsonby, Rule, Roos, C Bremner, A Bremner, Hirini, McMenamin.

    Replacements: Connor, Murray, Taumata, Ngan-Woo, Simon, Bayler, Tubic, Leti-I'iga.

    England: Kildunne; Thompson, Scarratt, Aitchison, Dow; Harrison, L Packer; Cornborough, Cokayne, Bern, Aldcroft, Ward, Matthews, M Packer, Hunter (capt).

    Replacements: Davies, Muir, Brown, O'Donnell, Cleall, Kabeya, MacDonald, Heard.

    Referee: Hollie Davidson (Sco)

  3. Late change

    New Zealand v England (06:30 GMT)

    Becky Grey
    BBC Sport at Eden Park

    Lucky PackerGetty Images

    A bit of concerning late news for England fans.

    England's starting scrum-half Leanne Infante is out with a foot injury, meaning Lucy Packer - who was out of the squad this week - has been drafted in late to the starting team.

    England head coach Simon Middleton has decided to keep Claudia MacDonald on the bench as nine cover rather than promoting her to the starting team.

    Packer has just eight England caps and will be facing New Zealand's most-capped player in Kendra Cocksedge. Eek.

  4. A date with destiny

    New Zealand v England (06:30 GMT)

    Eden ParkGetty Images

    And so the dawn rises on an eighth World Cup final appearance for England's women.

    In four of the last five tournaments the road has ended here; devastating, demoralising defeat.

    England womenGetty Images

    Last time out, in Belfast five years ago, New Zealand came out on top at the end of a battle for the ages to lift their fifth crown.

    New ZealandGetty Images

    This morning - UK time, at least - the sides meet once more at the fabled home of Kiwi rugby. Eden Park, Auckland, will be their Everest.

    Shall we?