At this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 12 nations faced each other at Marcoussis some 20 miles south of Paris, France. The results were impressive to say the least.
The pool matches contained only a few surprises, but what big surprises they were!
Australia’s women managed two wins – trouncing South Africa and Wales – but lost to France in the decisive game to miss out on a semi-final spot to the dominant French, and finish in sixth.
Four-time consecutive champions New Zealand lost their decisive match against Ireland in their pool, and after a tie between England and Canada, it was clear that a new World Champion would be found from semi-finalists France, Ireland, England, and Canada.
New Zealand would eventually have to settle for fifth place (again, ahead of Australia!), and for Ireland, it was a maiden appearance in a World Cup semi-final.
Semi-finals
Ireland faced arch rivals England in the first semi-final at Stade Jean Bouin in Paris. During the first part of the match, the Irish surprisingly kept England at bay, and also managed to land a converted try which put them in the lead 7-0.
The reaction came quickly from the English, who took hold of the match and proved to be quicker and stronger than their Irish opponents.
Scrumhalf La Toya Mason goes close for the England Women’s Rugby World Cup team. Photo: JPS Photo 2014.
With two penalties, two tries and one conversion, England led 18-7 at the break. In the second half England kept their nerve and finished victorious, running out 40-7 winners.
In the second semi-final, the stadium was filled to the brim as competition hosts France were challenged by Canada.
France started the match as favourites, having won the Women’s Six Nations 2014 and being backed by some 20,000 spectators.
The French started well, leading after a penalty 3-0. However, the Canadians responded in kind and put the hosts under pressure with a penalty of their own.
France fullback Christelle le Duff can’t combat the Canadian team’s try scoring prowess. Photo: JPS Photo 2014.
In the second half the Canadians set the pace and stunned their opponents with quick ball movement and a try after just three minutes.
Just as the French tried to answer with an attack of their own, the Canadians countered with Magali Harvey scoring a try from 80 metres out which she promptly converted, putting Canada in the lead 18-6.
The French were clearly shaken, and although they did manage to build up pressure with determination and support from the home crowd, the Canadians withstood and won the match 18-16.
Third-place Playoff
On final day, the Irish faced France and their considerable support in the play-off for third place.
The first half turned out to be an even affair, with neither of the teams really being able to control the game. However, Ireland had their noses in front 15-12 at the break.
The second half was similarly even, but the French women showed that they were a tick sharper than their opponents and with 14 minutes to go, took the lead after having been down 17-18.
France’s Marjorie Mayans helps defend her team’s path to victory. Photo: JPS Photo 2014.
The Irish lacked the fuel in the tank, so the French had no problems securing the bronze medal with a final score of 25-18.
Grand Final
The final match of the tournament featured three-time runners up, England, against the dark horse, Canada.
The game was a tight arm wrestle early on, with both teams having their highlights. The first try coming from the English in the 33rd minute.
On the scoreboard, it seemed to be a one-sided affair with England in the lead 11-0, before Magali Harvey scored on a penalty three minutes before half time. 11-3 England.
England and Canada played out a 13-all draw at Marcoussis in the group stage of the 2014 Women’s RWC. Photo: JPS Photo 2014.
Just as the match between France and Ireland had been a tight affair, so was the final. With two penalties Canada closed the gap to only two points at the midway point of the second half.
The English woke from their complacency and with a penalty, a try and a conversion from Emily Scarratt, the English clinched their second World Cup title.
England’s Emily Scarratt lines up for goal. Photo: JPS Photo 2014.
While the English celebrated their victory, Canada’s Magali Harvey was consoled with the trophy as Player of the Year. She will have to wait another four years for another shot at the biggest trophy in women’s rugby.
Photographer: Jacob Poul Skoubo, freelance photographer/owner of JPS Photo 2014. For inquiries, contact jpsphoto2014@gmail.com. More details about the tournament can be found here.
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