France have so much experience of finishing third at world cups that you have to wonder whether the coaches needed to exercise them at all pre-match.

Tough and resourceful as the Canadians were, the French had the edge at all the decisive moments.

They used a following breeze to build attacking positions. Emilie Boulard won a rally of kick-tennis and Marine Ménager was over the line; but Sara Cox decreed ‘held up’.

It took them eleven minutes to post their first score. They were lightning quick in their movements, led by Pauline Bourdon, who was back to her absolute best. Lovely interpassing saw Romane Ménager burst through and feed Madoussou Fall. There was no halting her.

Sophie de Goede led a Canadian response with a half-break and kick ahead, but it came to nothing.

That sequence, by the way, has been widely used in this RWC.

Bourdon repeated her sharpness with a break down the blind-side and yet another devilish kick ahead.

The game seemed glued to the Canuck’s end of the ground. The elder Ménager made a second telling thrust, but this time Fall was held up by determined defence.

Les Bleues played canny by accepting the offer of three points in front of the posts. Caroline Drouin had another fine game with her right boot.

French territorial possession was now reaching silly proportions, somewhere near 90%. It was always likely to be this way, the amateurs playing their sixth game in six weeks, and into that breeze.

The French now produced a peach of a move. They attacked hard down the right; as the ball swung into midfield Gabrielle Vernier, surely one of the biggest stars of the tournament, stepped back inside, galloped through and found Bourdon on her shoulder for a scoring pass. So simple, so devastating.
Canada enjoyed a big scrum at last, but when they attempted a rolling maul, it wasn’t formed tightly enough. De Goede had to peel off and momentum was lost.

A final thrust by the French before the break saw the ball moved at lightning speed through the half-backs to the left-wing where Marine Ménager dipped a shoulder to power over.

Half-time: 22-0

This was not a winning score, but somehow it never looked as though the Maple Leafs could find a way back into the contest. Even their prized pack was being held with some ease.

The French forwards widened the margin with a drive completed by Annaëlle Deshayes (the loose-head of the tournament?).

Canada did manage to run through seven phases, but another knock-on did for them. A touch of desperation possibly.

On the three-quarter mark France completed their last score, another beauty. Drouin picked out her left-winger again with a long pass and she had her second.

With that Elissa Alarie bowed out of international rugby, a sad end to a distinguished career, but there may be many more to follow her into retirement.

The Canadians are so admirable, but until Rugby Canada feels able and willing to push funding their way (rather than to Sevens), they can’t expect to reach the top of the tree. They deserve to.

In so large a stadium the attendance looked sparse in the extreme at the start. Of course it filled up as the following game approached, but Kiwis reserve their favours for their own kind.

Result: Canada 0 France 36
Player of the Match: Pauline Bourdon

The teams

Canada:

1. Olivia DeMerchant, 2. Emily Tuttosi, 3. DaLeaka Menin, 4. Courtney Holtkamp, 5. McKinley Hunt, 6. Sara Svoboda, 7. Karen Paquin 8. Sophie de Goede (captain), 9. Justine Pelletier, 10. Alexandra Tessier 11. Paige Farries, 12. Sara Kaljuvee, 13. Alysha Corrigan 14. Maddy Grant, 15. Elissa Alarie

Bench:

16. Gillian Boag, 17. Brittany Kassil, 18. Alex Ellis, 19. Emma Taylor, 20. Tyson Beukeboom, 21. Gabrielle Senft, 22. Fabiola Forteza, 23. Anaïs Holly

France:

1 Annaëlle Deshayes, 2 Agathe Sochat, 3 Assia Khalfaoui, 4 Céline Ferer, 5 Madoussou Fall, 6 Gaëlle Hermet (captain), 7 Charlotte Escudéro, 8 Romane Ménager, 9 Pauline Bourdon, 10 Caroline Drouin, 11 Marine Ménager, 12 Gabrielle Vernier, 13 Maëlle Filopon, 14 Joanna Grisez, 15 Emilie Boulard

Bench:

16 Laure Touyé 17 Célia Domain, 18 Clara Joyeux, 19 Safi N’Diaye 20 Marjorie Mayans 21 Alex Chambon, 22 Jessy Trémoulière, 23 Chloé Jacquet

Officials:

Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)
ARs: Joy Neville (IRFU) and Lauren Jenner (NZRU) TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

with thanks to rugbyreferee.net

Rankings

After the final that followed this game the top-four world rankings shuffled. The gap between the two finalists narrowed and France overtook Canada once more – that had long seemed to me the right and proper order.

1 England 94.29
2 New Zealand 93.19
3 France 89.68
4 Canada 84.22

But some people prefer to have a world cup on their mantelpiece.

This is the match that many people suggest is quite unnecessary. Is it just to provide a curtain-raiser for the big event?

In the light of recent evidence we may wonder how many Kiwis will bother to turn up for a match not involving their beloved Black Ferns. They haven’t done so in any numbers thus far. But they might well be missing a treat.

The curious fact is that this contest is likely to provide some of the very best entertainment of all. We have only to think back to its 2017 equivalent between the USA and France. That was a thriller.

The Maple Leafs and les Bleues stretched their opponents almost to breaking point in two monumental semi-finals. Both will be desperate to return home with a medal in their bag after coming so close a week ago.

The teams

Sophie de Goede (Photo: Fiona Goodall – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Canada:

1. Olivia DeMerchant, 2. Emily Tuttosi, 3. DaLeaka Menin, 4. Courtney Holtkamp, 5. McKinley Hunt, 6. Sara Svoboda, 7. Karen Paquin 8. Sophie de Goede (captain), 9. Justine Pelletier, 10. Alexandra Tessier 11. Paige Farries, 12. Sara Kaljuvee, 13. Alysha Corrigan 14. Maddy Grant, 15. Elissa Alarie

Bench:

16. Gillian Boag, 17. Brittany Kassil, 18. Alex Ellis, 19. Emma Taylor, 20. Tyson Beukeboom, 21. Gabrielle Senft, 22. Fabiola Forteza, 23. Anaïs Holly

Kevin Rouet has made minimal changes to his squad from the clash with England. Up front Sara Svoboda switches places with Fabiola Forteza on the flank; on the bench Emma Taylor finds favour over Ngalula Fuamba.

France:

1 Annaëlle Deshayes, 2 Agathe Sochat, 3 Assia Khalfaoui, 4 Céline Ferer, 5 Madoussou Fall, 6 Gaëlle Hermet (captain), 7 Charlotte Escudéro, 8 Romane Ménager, 9 Pauline Bourdon, 10 Caroline Drouin, 11 Marine Ménager, 12 Gabrielle Vernier, 12 Maëlle Filopon, 14 Joanna Grisez, 15 Emilie Boulard

Bench:

16 Laure Touyé 17 Célia Domain, Coco Lindelauf, 18 Clara Joyeux, 19 Safi N’Diaye 20 Marjorie Mayans 21 Alex Chambon, 22 Jessy Trémoulière, 23 Chloé Jacquet

The young prop, Coco Lindelauf, misses out on a bench place this time; her turn will come soon. And to many people’s delight Jessy Trémoulière is restored to the bench.

We may well be seeing the last of that great warrior, Safi N’Diaye. But if she announces her retirement, it can be with few regrets after such a glorious career. She has remained very vocal in inspiring all the youngsters around her. The one black cloud hanging over her, like the rest of the squad, is that place in a final, which still refuses to appear.

This game will see two of the very best packs in the business, led by two of the outstanding No 8s in world rugby, Sophie de Goede and Romane Ménager. And the backs don’t hang about either.

France may have the better control of territory. Both their halves can kick them into advantageous areas.

This could well become another of the memorable matches to grace this RWC.

Officials:

Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)
ARs: Joy Neville (IRFU) and Lauren Jenner (NZRU)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)

We have to feel very sorry for Sara Cox. This is her fourth time at an RWC, and she’s still only 32. But because of England’s ongoing success, she has not yet been able to take a final. This is the next best the refs’ committee can offer her.

After years of waiting and guessing, now at last we discover the management’s idea of the ideal England team.

Here is the squad for the game that really matters:

15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 30 caps)
14. Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors, 57 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 107 caps)
12. Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 14 caps)
11. Abby Dow (Wasps, 29 caps)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 45 caps)
9. Leanne Infante (Saracens, 57 caps)
1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 74 caps)
2. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 69 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 37 caps)
5. Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 60 caps)
6. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 55 caps)
7. Marlie Packer (Saracens, 88 caps)
8. Sarah Hunter (captain, Loughborough Lightning, 139 caps)

Bench:

16. Lark Davies (Bristol Bears, 43 caps)
17. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 16 caps)
18. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins, 29 caps)
19. Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 23 caps)
20. Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 62 caps)
21. Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 7 caps)
22. Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 23 caps)
23. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 8 caps)

Of course Simon Middleton did not have a completely open field to choose from; injuries were almost bound to take their effect. Sadly Helena Rowland becomes the top-choice player to miss out, unable to recover in time. Ellie Kildunne takes her place, no surprise to New Zealanders who saw her perform against the Black Ferns on the European tour.

Two significant changes: first Lydia Thompson is restored to the wing, where she has caused pain to Kiwi defences in the past. Her own defensive skills may have played a large part in her choice; second, Holly Aitchison returns to the pivotal position of 12. This reintroduces the system of a 10-12 axis that Rowland and Zoe Harrison had provided. For all her skills Tatyana Heard couldn’t offer the same sort of midfield balance. And all this means that Jess Breach, once the most obvious choice on the wing, misses out again.

Up front, Hannah Botterman has the misfortune to be in the same position as Rowland. Last week’s injury proved too serious.

The only other doubt was whether Lark Davies might be restored to the No 2 shirt. She isn’t, but adds to the strength of the bench. Cath O’Donnell deserves huge credit for gaining the reserve spot at lock. She has fought back after a long battle over injury. But then, which of the squad of 33 has not known such privation?

Once more the number of caps on display takes the breath away. Vickii Cornborough will post three-quarters of a century, and just two of the 23 are still in single figures. That may yet be a defining advantage for the Red Roses. And they will be far more familiar with Hollie Davidson’s ways than the Ferns.

By the way, congratulations to her on her appointment. It had looked highly likely from the moment her name was glaringly absent from the semi-final lists.

The Black Ferns

Injuries have affected the Black Ferns too. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, their impressive young No 8, is ruled out with a bad thumb. The squad has just been announced. A possible first World Cup start for Kennedy Simon, the co-captain will not happen; she stays on the bench. Instead the experienced Charmine Mcmenamin will hold the pack together at No 8.

This is likely to be Kendra Cocksedge’s swan-song after a record 67 appearances. Will she get the better of Leanne Infante this time? She came off second best in last year’s scuffles.

World-wide Attention

Here’s how far the final is attracting attention: Orkney RFC are providing breakfast at half-time. Can you get there in time?

Some stats from the past

The two sides have met 28 times before this final. The balance stands 18-10 in the Black Ferns’ favour. They have met at Eden Park only twice; scores 29-10 (2013) and 33-8 (2005) in New Zealand’s favour.

But of all visiting nations England have by far the best record of wins in Aotearoa.

It’s quite a thought that among the 46 players to reach this peak of excellence, there are a few, a very few, who have achieved it four times.

Sarah Hunter captains the side at number eight with outside centre Emily Scarratt vice-captain.

Ellie Kildunne (full back), Lydia Thompson (right wing) and Abby Dow (left wing) are the back three.

Saracens duo Zoe Harrison (fly half) and Holly Aitchison (inside centre) form the 10-12 axis with club team-mate Leanne Infante at scrum half.

There are also starts for Alex Matthews (blind-side flanker) and Marlie Packer (open-side flanker) as well as Abbie Ward (lock) and Zoe Aldcroft (lock), who was player of the match in the team’s semi-final victory over Canada last weekend.

Vickii Cornborough (loose-head prop), Amy Cokayne (hooker) and Sarah Bern (tight-head prop) make up the front row.

Loughborough Lightning’s Cath O’Donnell returns to the matchday 23 and is among the finishers alongside Lark Davies, Maud Muir, Shaunagh Brown, Poppy Cleall, Sadia Kabeya, Claudia MacDonald and Tatyana Heard.

Meanwhile, Hannah Botterman and Helena Rowland miss the game due to injury. Prop Botterman suffered a knee injury in training last week while back Rowland sustained a foot injury in last Saturday’s semi-final.

Middleton said: “I could not be any prouder of the squad, how we have conducted ourselves and how we have performed. We set ourselves an objective to leave this country a better squad than when we arrived and regardless of what happens on Saturday we will do that.

“The way the squad and staff have come together both on and off the field has been fantastic to be a part of and will be a huge part of this team’s legacy after the World Cup.

“You are always striving to create something special in team sport and we have done that with this group of Red Roses. We know in our heart of hearts that this will more than likely be the last time this group all come together, but what they have created and achieved will live on for a long time.

“With success comes scrutiny and the inevitable pressure that brings with it. This squad has stood up to all of that and more and that is testimony to their ability, resilience and unwavering belief in each other. When things get tough, this team knows how to get going, that is why we are relishing Saturday and all that it will bring.

“There can be no bigger challenge in sport than to play the world champions in their own backyard in front of a sell-out crowd – 99.9% of which will be forming part of the opposition.

“Great teams don’t fear those challenges, they embrace them, and meet them head on, that’s what we intend to do.”

England team to play New Zealand
15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 30 caps)
14. Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors, 57 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (VC; Loughborough Lightning, 107 caps)
12. Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 14 caps)
11. Abby Dow (Wasps, 29 caps)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 45 caps)
9. Leanne Infante (Saracens, 57 caps)

1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 74 caps)
2. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 69 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 37 caps)
5. Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 60 caps)
6. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 55 caps)
7. Marlie Packer (Saracens, 88 caps)
8. Sarah Hunter (C; Loughborough Lightning, 139 caps)

Finishers
16. Lark Davies (Bristol Bears, 43 caps)
17. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 16 caps)
18. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins, 29 caps)
19. Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 23 caps)
20. Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 62 caps)
21. Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 7 caps)
22. Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 23 caps)
23. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 8 caps)

With thanks to RFU

The team is;

1. Phillipa Love (24)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (12)
3. Amy Rule (11)
4. Maiakawanakaukani Roos (13)
5. Chelsea Bremner (11)
6. Alana Bremner (12)
7. Sarah Hirini (16)
8. Charmaine McMenamin (30)
9. Kendra Cocksedge (67)
10. Ruahei Demant (25) – co-captain
11. Portia Woodman (24)
12. Theresa Fitzpatrick (17)
13. Stacey Fluhler (24)
14. Ruby Tui (9)
15. Renee Holmes (9)
16. Luka Connor (13)
17. Krystal Murray (8)
18. Santo Taumata (6)
19. Joanah Ngan-Woo (16)
20. Kennedy Simon (12) – co-captain
21. Ariana Bayler (7)
22. Hazel Tubic (21)
23. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (20)

Unavailable due to injury: Liana Mikaele-Tu’u

Black Ferns coaches have made just one injury-enforced change to their match-day 23 with 2017 World Cup winner Charmaine McMenamin replacing Liana Mikaele-Tu’u who sustained a thumb injury in the semi-final victory.

The team features six players who took part in the 2017 Rugby World Cup Final against the same opposition, with McMenamin joined by Sarah Hirini, Kendra Cocksedge, Portia Woodman, Theresa Fitzpatrick and Stacey Fluhler in lining up for consecutive Finals.

Black Ferns Director of Coaching Wayne Smith said alongside Assistant Coaches Wesley Clarke and Whitney Hansen, they were pleased to name a settled team.

“Throughout this whole campaign selection has been incredibly difficult. We are pretty happy with the continuity in this line up and only the one change this week.

“Charmaine comes into the team and she’s already had some good minutes on the field during the World Cup and obviously brings that experience from 2017 as well,” said Smith.

Not shying away from the task at hand, Smith said this weekend will be as tough as they come.

“It is going to be a massive challenge. We are playing against possibly one of the greatest teams in the history of rugby, they’ve won 30 Tests in a row which is remarkable and it’s going to take a huge effort.

“The support for the team has been amazing but that also brings its own challenges, we have to show that we can cope with those challenges and focus on playing the rugby that we love,” said Smith.

This will be the 30^th Test between the teams, having first met in 1997, the Black Ferns have won 18, drawn one and lost 10.

It will be the fourth time the teams have met in a Rugby World Cup Final, most recently the Black Ferns coming from behind to win 41-32 in Ireland in 2017.

There have only been three Tests between the nations since the last Rugby World Cup, the Black Ferns winning in San Diego in 2019 – England’s last defeat before going on a 30-match winning streak, including two wins over the Black Ferns last year.

Thanks to New Zealand Rugby 

We were privileged to watch the two greatest semi-finals in the history of the World Cup. Have there ever been two such hotly contested semis in rugby? It’s doubtful.

The Canadians came within one score of equalling the out-and-out favourites. Just look at what was happening immediately before the greatest try of the tournament.

The Black Ferns simply had to win their contest against the French. In front of their own crowd no other result would have been acceptable. A single point did it.

You may or may not be pleased at seeing the usual suspects disputing yet another final. Donning my impartial judge’s wig, I’m disappointed that other nations have once more failed to reach the top step of the medals podium. How would Canada versus France have gone down as the main course at Eden Park? Lead balloons come to mind. Instead, they have the unrewarding role of warm-ups in the tussle for the bronze medal.

So it’s Red Roses v Black Ferns. Who can gain the coveted Underdog title?

England

‘Of course you’re going to win. Look at all that money that’s been poured your way. Look at all those starry players you’ve gathered around you.’

The Red Roses’ performances in New Zealand have hardly lived up to their billing. Yes, they registered big wins against the minnows, Fiji and South Africa, as expected. But the clash against the ancient enemy France was a struggle; the semi against the amateur Maple Leafs even more so.

Then there’s the saying: ‘Don’’t peak too soon.’

The Red Roses are one of very few teams to have won test matches in Aotearoa; that stands to their credit. In sharp contrast, they have never beaten the Black Ferns in a final; both their victories (1994, 2014) came against other opponents. And there will be a haka and a crowd to contend with.

The pack is outstanding. The question is whether its strengths can outweigh the Black Ferns’ power sources – out behind. The English backs lack nothing in pace, but their defensive patterns are less secure.In both the 2022 Six Nations and here in Aotearoa the opposition has scored tries with a spare player left over. Will Middleton be minded to reintroduce Lydia Thompson for her defensive expertise?

England have a long history of failure to overcome. Two recent finals tell their own sad story: 2010 (10-13) on home soil and 2017 (32-41) after leading at half-time. They still disturb the memory.

True Underdogs?

New Zealand

The Black Ferns’ position is as different as it’s possible to imagine.

From the moment New Zealand Rugby’s application to host the ninth RWC was accepted, one stated goal was to fill Eden Park for the final. The assumption all along was that the Black Ferns would be one of the protagonists. A sixth trophy win was all too predictable.

Then came the 2021 European tour, which proved one cold shower too many. Four colossal defeats in a row, and the future looked dark. Their restoration to winning ways came very late. You might put it entirely down to the appointment of Wayne Smith as head coach, but he had mighty little time to get to know the players and plant his vision of the game on them.

He has done magnificently well, but admits none of his sides had ever been Underdogs before.

The Black Ferns strode through to the semis with an ease broken only by an uncomfortable start to their Wallaroos game. They survived to a must-win semi.

That 25-24 win was met with whoops of delight and relief. Would it be enough to see off the Red Roses who had posted 99 points against them in that two-match autumn series? Can England take consolation from that tiny one-point margin?

It is probable that the Black Ferns pack won’t be able to hold their opponents off for the entire 80 minutes, and Tuesday saw the withdrawal of the No 8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u through injury. World Cup finals have a horrible habit of denying players their ultimate reward.

But it has to be admitted England haven’t been as sharp in front of the line as expected. The line- out is a key area; England must surely take charge there.

Smith was quick to assert that his Black Ferns were the true Underdogs, but he and his analysts will have pinpointed a host of weaknesses in the English set-up.

Wes Clark, his assistant coach said of England: ‘They’re potentially the best women’s team of all time, but we’re up for the challenge.’

He calmly neglects to mention that the Ferns always win the Big One.

Crowds of Crowds

England have grown used to attendances way beyond what used to be the norm till a few years ago. Crowds above 15,000 in France have been commonplace. This year has seen England’s own record rise to 15,836. And they have played several times at Twickenham, though not with a full house.

The Black Ferns were impressed by the crowds that watched their games in Pau and Castres, but Eden Park will be different. Only a few sardines may still be able to squeeze in*. The atmosphere will be intense. Will the pressure lie heavier on the Ferns, on whom so many hopes have been placed in recent days?

*No they won’t; the tin is already full!

So who wins?

Plans B-Z are all the rage at the moment, mostly pointing at English inadequacies. The obvious example would be the game with Australia, played in a tempest. Any coach would have counselled keeping the ball tight. Since the England pack are the undisputed mistresses of that art, they reacted sensibly.

When have the Red Roses over-relied on the pack? Only against the French who have been the one side over the past three years to cause them real hardship. Then came the Canada game. Two tries from Abby Dow might sound like another free-wheeling victory, but it was nothing of the sort. Did the occasion get to them?

If Plan B means passing out to Zoe Harrison and the centres, England have done that countless times – ask New Zealand. Scott Bemand must be upset that people should think his backs aren’t capable of playing their full part. A glance at the tries they have scored over their 30-win trot is all the evidence needed. And then they added a useful 120-metre try last weekend.

By contrast, the Black Ferns have tried to develop their kicking game, which Smith saw as an area needing urgent attention. They still lag behind England in that regard, even without Helena Rowland, whose recovery is being anxiously monitored.

For both teams turnovers will be a no-no. A central question is whether the accurate long kicks England manufacture will give them a crucial advantage. The follow-up is an essential element in the ploy, the Black Ferns could easily feast off any positional error, as they did against France.

But it’s naive to argue that this game will be between one set of backs and one set of forwards.

The Red Roses can take heart from the Black Ferns scraping through to the final thanks only to an off-line penalty in the 79th minute. So near and yet so far.

The tournament director, Michelle Hooper, said after the semis: “We could not have written a better script than to have the host team, the Black Ferns, competing in a Rugby World Cup final for the first time ever at home in front of whānau and friends, and against the number one team in the world – England.”

It’s a pity so many conspiracy theorists believe that script was somehow imposed upon referees and TMOs. While we can reject those damaging comments out of hand, we might still ask: How full would the stadium have been had France beaten the Black Ferns?

DETAILS:

Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Saturday 12 November Eden Park, Auckland Kick-off 06.30 GMT UK Coverage: ITV

Keen fans were quick to snap up a limited number of newly released tickets to the Rugby World Cup 2021 finals at Eden Park this Saturday 12 November, with all additional seats selling out in a matter of minutes after going on sale.

Extraordinary demand for tickets following the Black Ferns’ semi-final victory over France prompted a review of stadium space and the release of seats in the North, West and South stands previously reserved for operational needs.

The extra tickets went on sale at 1800 NZT Tuesday 8 November and were gone within minutes as fans rushed to secure their place at what is set to be an historic first ever women’s Rugby World Cup final in the Southern Hemisphere and the Black Ferns’ first opportunity to defend their title on home soil.

Organisers have put in place additional security and functional measures to cater for the extra capacity, with a record crowd of just over 40,000 expected to cheer the Black Ferns on to what they hope will become their sixth Rugby World Cup victory.

Fans lucky enough to secure a spot in the stands are encouraged to arrive early, with 5,000 poi on offer free to the first through the gates from 1530 NZT.

At half-time of the bronze final, Aotearoa’s iconic Pātea Māori Club will perform their much-loved song Poi E, a tune that has become synonymous with women’s rugby since it was first played at the tournament during opening match day at Eden Park on 8 October.

International award-winning artist BENEE will then take the stage at full-time of the bronze-final and again at half-time of the final. Born and raised in Grey Lynn – a stone’s throw from Eden Park – the performance will be a welcome homecoming for BENEE who first rose to fame when her track Supalonely went viral on TikTok.

The performances will be exclusive in-stadium entertainment offerings for fans, not included on the television coverage.

Those not able to attend in stadium are being urged to tune in live on Three and Spark Sport and host watch parties in their homes, local rugby clubs and neighbourhood pubs, bars & restaurants.

The final will be available live on Spark Sport and free-to-air on Three starting at 1900 NZT on Saturday 12 November.

By the tournament’s end, Rugby World Cup 2021 will have attracted over 140,000 fans – the most of any women’s Rugby World Cup – across the three match venues in Auckland and Whangārei and five weeks of competition.

For more information go to rugbyworldcup.com/2021

With thanks to New Zealand Rugby

Extraordinary demand for tickets to the Rugby World Cup 2021 finals at Eden Park this Saturday 12 November has prompted a review of stadium space and the release of new seats not previously available for sale.

A strictly limited number of additional tickets will go on sale at 1800 NZT Tuesday 8 November at tickets2021.rugbyworldcup.com.

Seats were almost entirely allocated in the hours immediately after the Black Ferns’ last gasp semi-final victory over France, with almost 8,000 tickets snapped up that night alone.

Organisers immediately began exploring additional seating capacity at the stadium, with the aim to release more seats to fans that were previously reserved for operational needs. Added security and functional measures have been put in place to cater for the extra capacity.

Rugby World Cup 2021 Tournament Director, Michelle Hooper said, “We have been absolutely blown away by the support Kiwis and fans around the world have shown for this tournament and for the amazing wāhine toa who have played with their hearts and souls over the past five weeks. The stage is set for a dream final to what has been an extraordinary and unforgettable Rugby World Cup with the Black Ferns taking on number one ranked England at home in front of what will be a crowd on a scale we have never seen before for the women’s game.

“It was important to us that we exhausted every avenue to allow fans the chance to witness the finals live in stadium. We have worked hard to convert previously operational spaces into additional seating and put in place safety measures to cater to the extra fans.

“Those who miss out, or can’t be with us at Eden Park, our challenge to you is to host a watch party at home or in your local neighbourhood and help us to break more records and reach the largest ever domestic viewership for a women’s sports match.”

Fans lucky enough to secure their spot at the finals are encouraged to arrive early, with 5,000 poi on offer free to the first fans through the gates from 1530 NZT.

At half-time of the bronze final, Aotearoa’s iconic Pātea Māori Club will perform their much-loved song Poi E, a tune that has become synonymous with women’s rugby since it was first played at the tournament during opening match day at Eden Park on 8 October.

International award-winning artist BENEE will then take the stage at full-time of the bronze-final and again at half-time of the final. Born and raised in Grey Lynn – a stone’s throw from Eden Park – the performance will be a welcome homecoming for BENEE who first rose to fame when her track Supalonely went viral on TikTok.

The performances will be exclusive in-stadium entertainment offerings for fans, not included on the television coverage.

With the world record for attendance at a women’s rugby match day set to tumble once again, after opening match day attracted a record crowd of 34,235, fans not able to attend in stadium are being urged to tune in live on Three and Spark Sport and host watch parties in their homes, local rugby clubs and neighbourhood pubs, bars & restaurants.

The final will be available live on Spark Sport and free-to-air on Three starting from 1900 NZT on Saturday 12 November.

Rugby World Cup 2021 has so far attracted 107,600 fans, the most of any women’s Rugby World Cup, across the three match venues in Auckland and Whangārei and five weeks of competition.

For more information and to purchase the newly released tickets from 1800 NZT Tuesday 8 November go to tickets2021.rugbyworldcup.com

With thanks to New Zealand Rugby

Yes, it’s perfect for the administrators, media moguls and money-minders. Only this way could the organising committee fulfil its stated wish to sell every seat for the occasion. It would give women’s rugby another timely boost.

Does New Zealand Rugby deserve to be represented here at the pinnacle, after the unholy schemozzle of events that followed last autumn’s European tour? It’s CE, Mark Robinson, actually confirmed Glenn Moore in post, in the face of the damning evidence presented in the meticulous review called to investigate Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate’s heartrending complaints.

All those smiling faces now on view in Auckland help prove the notion that human beings have a short memory.

Do we really want to see yet another final between the same two teams? Is that inevitable in the world of sport? I offer Celtic v Rangers as but one blatant example. Only three nations have ever won the trophy in eight attempts: the USA at the first gathering – they had taken the lead in developing the game, so deserved every credit for that win in 1991; England twice only, and New Zealand all the rest.

My own preference would have been another England-France crunch, the first ever at the exalted level of an RWC final. New Zealand spectators were able to see for themselves what underlies every crunch when they met in the pool-stages; games of the highest intensity, no quarter given, close results guaranteed almost every time.

As an aside: it was upsetting in the extreme to read conspiracy theories running riot on social media pages. Evidently the referees and the TMOs were under orders to ensure that the Black Ferns made it through to the final.

But an all-European match-up would not have filled the stadium. The most fervent rugby-playing nation on earth (pace the Pacific Islanders) was proved unwilling to turn up to games unless their own side was on show.

That is one giant step the 2025 RWC has to make: to fill stadiums across the country when the Red Roses aren’t themselves involved.

Why do we hear that the upper tier of the stadium will not be open? That runs counter to the phrase ‘ticket-frenzy’ the BBC headlined. Perhaps the ground authorities will offer the same flexibility as The Stoop a year or two go when it allowed an overflow of attenders into a section of the south stand, under the watchful gaze of extra stewards of course. But the stated aim was to sell every seat. Is it possible that, even with the ‘ideal’ final guaranteed, Eden Park will still not be full?

I’ll leave a look-back at the tournament as a whole for a later occasion. It has already set new records for attendance, media coverage and world-wide public attention but the overall picture is far less satisfying.

It would have been a huge blow for the organising committee if its home team had not been present on the final day, but the events leading up to it leave us wondering whether a national union that neglected its women’s team so badly for so long should be able to fill the executive boxes smugly on the Big Day.

New Zealand and England have booked their place in the Rugby World Cup 2021 Final after two nail-biting semi-final matches left fans on the edge of their seats and with their fingers on the button ready to snap up the few remaining tickets to next week’s big dance.

Organisers reported an unprecedented surge in ticket sales immediately after the final whistle as the Black Ferns claimed a last-gasp victory over France to secure a fairy-tale home final.

Almost 8,000 tickets to the finals day at Eden Park on Saturday 12 November were snapped up last night, leaving just a handful of seats remaining and signalling yet another world record crowd for women’s rugby expected as New Zealand’s Black Ferns contest a sixth Rugby World Cup final, but their first ever on home soil.

Organisers are working to exhaust all available capacity in the 40,000-seat stadium as demand for tickets reaches fever pitch. While current seating is almost entirely allocated, a review of remaining space is underway as organisers look to release every last seat for fans.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby World Cup 2021 has proven to be a triumph for rugby, women’s sport and New Zealand. On and off the field records have tumbled, personalities have been projected and barriers smashed as the stars of women’s rugby have shone brightly, underscored by two incredible semi-finals.

“People make great events and New Zealanders have been amazing – the team behind the teams. My message to them is don’t miss out, snap up the last tickets, turn on your televisions, engage in social media and let’s make history together – the greatest women’s rugby event ever and an inspiration for girls and boys to get into rugby.”

Rugby World Cup 2021 Tournament Director, Michelle Hooper said, “What we saw during the semi-finals was arguably the greatest spectacle of international rugby this country has seen in a very long time. Those two matches have had an immeasurable impact on the game that we may not see the true results of until generations to come when young girls and boys will talk about those moments. What’s more, there’s still a week to go.

“We could not have written a better script than to have the host team, the Black Ferns, competing in a Rugby World Cup final for the first time ever at home in front of whānau and friends, and against the number one team in the world – England.

“I know all New Zealanders and fans watching around the world share in my anticipation for next week and we saw evidence of that immediately after the final whistle when our ticketing system was almost at the brink trying to keep up with demand. These teams deserve legendary support next Saturday and we encourage fans to get together and get behind their team, host watch parties at home, or if you’re lucky enough to be in the stadium, cheer on these wāhine as loud as you can for the final time this Rugby World Cup.”

Opening match day at Eden Park on Saturday 8 October saw 34, 235 fill the stands setting a world record for attendance at a women’s rugby match day and a New Zealand record for the largest crowd ever at a standalone women’s sporting event.

Next week’s bronze final between Canada and France will be available live on Spark Sport and free-to-air on Three at 1630 NZT on Saturday 12 November, followed by the final between hosts New Zealand and number-one ranked England at 1930 NZT.

Rugby World Cup 2021 has so far attracted 107,600 fans, the most of any women’s Rugby World Cup, across the three match venues in Auckland and Whangārei and five weeks of competition.

For more information and to purchase the last remaining tickets go to https://tickets2021.rugbyworldcup.com