A day of barely rivalled sporting excitement in Britain (Wimbledon finals, the British Grand Prix, a ridiculously palpitating World Cup cricket final) concluded with this battle of the Titans far away in Southern California. New Zealand gained immediate revenge for the Black Caps’ titanic battle with England at Lord’s a few hours earlier. The game
France brought the curtain down on the new-style Super Series with a wonderful display of joined-up rugby against the hosts. In the process they became the only team to reach 50 points in a single game. The scoreboard was running in slo-mo in the early stages, though the French pack was already getting on top;
No more tension, please! England’s team: 15. Sarah McKenna 14. Lydia Thompson 13. Emily Scarratt 12. Emily Scott 11. Claudia Macdonald 10. Zoe Harrison 9. Leanne Riley 1. Vickii Cornborough 2. Lark Davies 3. Sarah Bern 4. Catherine O’Donnell 5. Abbie Scott 6. Poppy Cleall 7. Marlie Packer 8. Sarah Hunter (capt) Bench 16. Heather
Quite astonishingly, the second game of the day finished with exactly the same score and the same electric tension! But this time it was the underdogs who turned the tables. The USA came on strong in the last quarter to overcome a Canadian lead that had lasted for seventy minutes. The Maple Leafs took control
Part One: the Lead-up (If you’re anxious for the action, scroll straight to Part Two) Rather than stick to the side that triumphed over the Black Ferns, France continued their policy of rotation to preserve freshness: an interesting response to their two remaining games, first against England, then the USA. This meant Brandy Cazorla, who
‘The Five Best teams in the World’ was the headline flash. The rugby may be reaching classy heights, but there is nothing ‘super’ about the facilities offered for this high-profile tournament. Views of the French side preparing for a match in one of a string of tents, with portaloos lined up outside make you wonder
England/France always brings a special tingle, but the encounter this week takes on new dimensions. England’s team: 15 Sarah McKenna 14 Lydia Thompson 13 Emily Scarratt 12 Amber Reid 11 Kelly Smith 10 Zoe Harrison 9 Leanne Riley 1 Vickii Cornborough 2 Heather Kerr 3 Sarah Bern 4 Cath O’Donnell 5 Abbie Scott 6 Poppy
This was a horrible day at Canterbury for England women’s cricketers. Best not to repeat what passing spectators said about events after the break. They came into the third of the three one-dayers 2-0 down and with Alyssa Healy’s prediction of an Australian whitewash hanging round their necks. Katherine Brunt hadn’t recovered from her ankle
The omens could hardly have been worse for the French. After losing their talismanic No 8 Romane Ménager to injury, Safi N’Diaye suffered an ankle injury that put her out of commission. After losing convincingly to the Maple Leafs, what chance would they have against the all-conquering Black Ferns? Answer: they beat them convincingly 25-16.
Canada brought their A-game to this contest, for the second time running. They were confident enough to run the ball back at the English inside their own 22 and off-load under pressure. Forwards and backs combined well to give the Roses plenty of tackling practice. They opened the scoring through Tyson Beukeboom, on the end
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