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England Women left 'gutted' after World Cup final defeat to New Zealand

England's Tamara Taylor is tackled by New Zealand's Toka Natua (right) and Eloise Blackwell
Image: England's Tamara Taylor is tackled by New Zealand's Toka Natua (right) and Eloise Blackwell

Emily Scarratt was left "gutted" after England suffered an agonising loss to New Zealand in a thrilling Women's Rugby World Cup final in Belfast.

New Zealand won the title for a fifth time with a 41-32 victory as England were unable to reclaim the crown they won in 2014 in a match which featured 11 tries.

"The scoreline suggests a fantastic game of rugby," Scarratt told ITV Sport.

"We're gutted. We came here with one goal and we just pulled up a little bit short.

"Fair play to New Zealand, because they brought it. Rugby's a really tough game to play without the ball.

New Zealand's Toka Natua dives in to score a try during the 2017 Women's World Cup Final at the Kingspan Stadium, Belfast.
Image: New Zealand's Toka Natua scored a hat-trick for the Black Ferns

"In that second half we didn't have the ball, partly our fault and partly the pressure they put on to us.

"Gutted is an understatement, but we'll move on from this."

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The Black Ferns fought back from a 15-5 deficit thanks to a remarkable hat-trick from prop Toka Natua to help New Zealand secure a memorable win, and England captain Sarah Hunter says their lack of possession in the second half was to blame.

"We lost the momentum and they got on top and we couldn't seem to get our hands back on the ball," she said.

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