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.
Bakkies
Guest
The skill from the Six Nations big three (Ire, Eng and France) and Canada showed was fine. With the higher physicality levels the girls aren't used to having their skills tested like that. Pretty stupid thing to sat considering that Aus and SA rarely get to play as a team.
Bakkies
Guest
I don't think the IRB and players were happy with some of the decisions that were made.
Paul from Melbourne
Guest
May be the skill level is not as high as the men's and that certainly is the result of a lack of legit competitions and global support for the games. Give it time. I like it though.Magali Harvey is a name I would not forget easily.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
I'm of course I simply offer my opinion. And that is based on what I've see this time compared to previously. It wouldn't be right for me to knock other people's efforts with an opinion on 'low base' or otherwise. The NZ girls were beaten & I thought they were of a reasonably good level.
wazza perth nz ex pat
Guest
Well - back to reality - I watched a couple of games and didn't waste my time with the rest. If the standard has risen Blinky Bill must be from a very low base. Their enthusiasm was great and some of the physical contests were good but the overall skill level was abysmal. The referees were the same as their male counterparts i.e. mediocre but again they were enthusiastic and seemed to be enjoying themselves. However a half decent men's 3rd grade team would have won that tournament !! But good on them for spreading the gospel of rugby - great to see families involved in all aspects of the game.
atlas
Guest
there was another Roar article on this tournament last week - see: Women’s Rugby World Cup review http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/08/23/womens-rugby-world-cup-review/
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
Well said AS. Frankly I quite enjoyed the WWRC & thought the standard has risen in most countries. I reckon our girls will do far better once they sort out their passing game to put the ball in front of the player. Also a penalty try that wasn't a penalty try pretty much killed us. So that's my shot at that Ref :( Generally I thought the Refs were very good. They displayed clear communication, an even handedness, got on with the game & seemed to be quite enjoying the occasion too (which is important). IMHO England were worthy winners and a cut above the rest. Having said that I really liked what I saw from Ireland, France & Canada and if they continue to progress they will be even more formidable opponents next time around. ;)
arbitro storico
Guest
From an Australian perspective, the Wallaroos were brave but outgunned by a bigger and stronger pack when they played the French. Outstanding effort though from the Australian referee, Amy Perrett, who refereed the final, semi-final and in each pool round, to significant and well-deserved acclaim from a wide range of opinions, including those Luddites who continue to think that only men should referee women at this tournament.
Bakkies
Guest
The figures normally quoted are just France alone. They get just under 900k for some Six Nations games. I have yet to see the Irish radio and tv figures as the Ireland games were available to everyone. From memory the Womens Final was held at the Stoop when England hosted it I don't think think it was patch on what the French pulled.
Mike
Guest
Wow, interesting stuff, thank you for publishing this.
Sailosi
Guest
I couldn't help but notice the TV ratings, enormous.
Bakkies
Guest
England have central contracted 20 players to play 7s.
AussiKiwi
Guest
Great all round skills on display. Some of the infield kicking and kicking for touch in particular was better than you see in most men's games.
TheSnake
Guest
The Wallabies should have to qualify to play the All Blacks. There could be a annual Tri series with the Wallaroo's and the Black Ferns, the winner to be promoted to the Rugby Championship. What do you think people?
Johnno
Guest
The grand final was good the standard has lifted. I enjoyed it, it was tense. The next women's RWC 4 years on will be better as more teams get better. Good Canada is doing well, a real new rugby power is emerging there in both men's and women. A strong Canada will be good for global rugby. US girls doing well to. When you think rugby was only a commonwealth game and Argentina and France. It's really expanding. All over Europe: North America: US/Canada/Mexico South America:Argentina/Brazil/Chile/Uruguay Africa: Boks/Zims/Kenya/Madagasscar/Namibia Asia: Game is spreading Japan,South Korea etc Oceania: Aust/Pacific Islands The game is also starting to show promising signs in NZ lol, joking on that one.
Colin
Guest
An article about the world cup, and only a week late! Australia was 7th by the way, they lost the 5th place semi final to the USA and then beat Wales. The tournament had some really good rugby, lots of fun to watch.