THE answer to Martin Johnson's creative void is
19 years old, stands a fraction under six feet and rips across the gain line with grace and beauty not seen since Jeremy Guscott lit up winter afternoons. The hair might be a little on the long side for Johnno, and changing-room arrangements could present a problem, but in all other respects Emily Scarratt is your girl.
Ms Scarratt, the youngest member of the England women's squad, touches down at an average of a try per match and can play across the back line. In England's subordination of New Zealand at Twickenham on the same bleak November afternoon that the men lost to the All Blacks, Scarratt was poster girl under the high ball at full-back. More than 12,000 stayed behind in filthy weather to watch our women beat down the world champions.
This was not rugby lite. Had the Rugby Football Union the foresight to keep four sides of Twickenham open instead of one, the place would have been packed out. Men young and old were left peering one-eyed through gaps in security fences, risking the amber nectar, to watch England win a game of rugby against southern hemisphere opposition. Next time it might be an idea to put the women on first.
Stereotypes were trampled into the mud, which is high on the agenda at the RFU. Watching women taking lumps out of each other in gum shields requires an adjustment. Immersion therapy works best. Eighty minutes glued to the bump and grind at Twickenham cured me.
"It has taken people a while to get their heads around the idea of women playing rugby. There is a big physicality about the game. But it is important that women are taking part in sports like this,'' said Scarratt. "I have had it before when I tell people what sport I play. They say, 'oh you don't look like a rugby player'. We are trying to make the game more appealing and increase participation. Personally what people think doesn't bother me. I just love to play.''
Scarratt is wandering through the sports emporium at Leeds Metropolitan University with a rugby ball under her arm. I was grateful for the prompt since the amazon filling the space was a makeover or two removed from the mug shot in the England media guide.
One day, perhaps, women's rugby might gain the platform that her level of commitment, heart, skill and nerve merits. Were Scarratt a man the cameras would not give her a minute's peace. Here's an idea: why not invite her on to Sky's panel of gnarled ex-pros? Michael Lynagh would be delighted to exchange passes with her.
The boys would be chuffed to find a woman fluent in the game and happy to tackle the tricky subjects, like reconciling the big hit with traditional ideas of femininity. Here is how she does it.
"It is about being comfortable with yourself and your choices. On the pitch, in training, in the gym, we are just rugby players. How people present themselves in their private life is completely different and nobody's business. Some people have issues with that, but the girls are all happy with themselves. There are no issues at all for us.
"When it comes to talking about me and rugby, I prefer to be known for the 12 tries that I scored in 12 games, rather than the way I look. The 12 tries is the important stat. Everything else comes afterwards. I'm a rugby player first. Rugby is what I'm about.''
Scarratt is a second-year sports science undergraduate. It had to be sport. Throw her a ball, any ball and she will hit it, catch it, kick it or slam-dunk it. She played international rounders for England Under-18s and county basketball. Nothing quite gives her the fix she needs like rugby, a game she has played since she was five years-old, tagging along with her dad and older brother.
She brings to it the old enthusiasms of the amateur ethos. Unlike Johnson's over-trained, over-indulged underperformers, the women have not lost the sense of wonder and joy associated with participation. It is fundamentally fun for them, not work. With each defeat Johnson retreats further into his coaching coalition. He should be looking outwards, not in, and could do worse than hang out with our women ahead of the Six Nations.
Scarratt made her debut against the United States in August last year, and scored. "We had a midfield move, I got the ball and hit a line, I didn't remember much until I was over the try line. I just ran as if it were a life or death situation. America were a big, physical side, quite happy to smash you into the middle of next week. It's part of the game. I've grown up with it. Just as you have to pass the ball you have to make a tackle and take a tackle in rugby. I enjoy it in an odd kind of way.''
Time up. She had to go. Another tackle to make. Never mind, the conversation is ongoing. The sisters are on their way: 2010 is World Cup year, a chance to show the world England really does know how to play the game.
Daily Telegraph (London, England) (Dec 26, 2009): p021.
Showing posts with label New Zealand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Zealand. Show all posts
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Saturday, 21 November 2009
England v New Zealand: Women's double deal
Robert Kitson
At least one England captain thinks New Zealand are beatable this afternoon. Catherine Spencer is also confident the second half of today's Twickenham double-header will raise the profile of women's rugby and provide more value for money than fans have received lately. Anyone seeking the West Stand experience without the hefty price tag should make the most of free admission from 4.15pm. England are determined to atone for last week's 16-3 defeat in their first meeting with the Black Ferns since the 2006 World Cup final.
The Guardian (London, England) (Nov 21, 2009): p10.
At least one England captain thinks New Zealand are beatable this afternoon. Catherine Spencer is also confident the second half of today's Twickenham double-header will raise the profile of women's rugby and provide more value for money than fans have received lately. Anyone seeking the West Stand experience without the hefty price tag should make the most of free admission from 4.15pm. England are determined to atone for last week's 16-3 defeat in their first meeting with the Black Ferns since the 2006 World Cup final.
The Guardian (London, England) (Nov 21, 2009): p10.
Tuesday, 19 September 2006
England fall just short in thriller; Rugby Union.
David Hands
THAT the World Cup final has been described as the best game of women's rugby in history will be limited consolation to England. They lost 25-17 to New Zealand in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday night, an enthralling contest that ebbed to and fro before the Black Ferns clinched their third successive title deep into injury time.
Four tries to two tells the story of a New Zealand side infinitely more dangerous in open space, but says nothing of a wonderfully committed England and the inspirational work of players such as Maggie Alphonsi and Sue Day. A converted try by Helen Clayton in the last minute of normal time reduced the deficit to a mere three points, only for New Zealand to work Amiria Marsh into the corner.
"This was certainly the best game of women's rugby I've ever seen," Rosie Williams, the managing director of the RFU for Women, said. But how England must regret their failure to score the points in the first half-hour that their territorial domination suggested were there for the taking.
Their use of Catherine Spencer at close-range scrums became too predictable and they failed to turn New Zealand's defence with tactical kicking. A penalty try, awarded after a series of scrums were collapsed on the New Zealand line, brought England back into the game, but the Black Ferns responded magnificently. "This was a fantastic final for people to watch -I'm just sorry we couldn't deliver," Jo Yapp, the England captain, said Donna Kennedy, Scotland's most-capped player, has retired after her side finished sixth in the tournament. Kennedy, 34, played in 95 of Scotland's 100 matches, the last in a 24-0 defeat by the United States in the fifth-place play-off.
The Times (London, England) (Sept 19, 2006): p78.
England raise the bar in defeat.
ENGLAND'S women may have finished runners-up to New Zealand in the World Cup final for the second time in succession, but yesterday's final in Edmonton is being hailed as the best ever game of women's rugby.
It was certainly the most physical and competitive match in the tournament's history and showcased a level of skill and athleticism not seen before in the women's game.
England, underdogs facing the defending champions, were always playing catch-up but had closed to within three points before New Zealand clinched a 25-17 victory with a late try through Amiria Marsh.
"We worked hard for 80 minutes and did everything we possibly could,'' England captain Jo Yapp said. "It was a tough game and you can't take anything away from the performance of the England girls.''
Despite dominating possession in the first half, England turned around 10-3 down after a try by Monalisa Codling and a conversion and penalty by Emma Jensen, Karen Andrew kicking a penalty for England.
England fell further behind when Stephanie Mortimer scored straight after the break. A penalty try and a touchdown by Helen Clayton closed the score to 20-17, but then Marsh eluded England's desperate cover defence to claim the crucial score.
After the match, centre Sue Day and back-row forwards Clayton and Georgia Stevens announced their retirement from international rugby.
Daily Telegraph (London, England) (Sept 19, 2006
THAT the World Cup final has been described as the best game of women's rugby in history will be limited consolation to England. They lost 25-17 to New Zealand in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday night, an enthralling contest that ebbed to and fro before the Black Ferns clinched their third successive title deep into injury time.
Four tries to two tells the story of a New Zealand side infinitely more dangerous in open space, but says nothing of a wonderfully committed England and the inspirational work of players such as Maggie Alphonsi and Sue Day. A converted try by Helen Clayton in the last minute of normal time reduced the deficit to a mere three points, only for New Zealand to work Amiria Marsh into the corner.
"This was certainly the best game of women's rugby I've ever seen," Rosie Williams, the managing director of the RFU for Women, said. But how England must regret their failure to score the points in the first half-hour that their territorial domination suggested were there for the taking.
Their use of Catherine Spencer at close-range scrums became too predictable and they failed to turn New Zealand's defence with tactical kicking. A penalty try, awarded after a series of scrums were collapsed on the New Zealand line, brought England back into the game, but the Black Ferns responded magnificently. "This was a fantastic final for people to watch -I'm just sorry we couldn't deliver," Jo Yapp, the England captain, said Donna Kennedy, Scotland's most-capped player, has retired after her side finished sixth in the tournament. Kennedy, 34, played in 95 of Scotland's 100 matches, the last in a 24-0 defeat by the United States in the fifth-place play-off.
The Times (London, England) (Sept 19, 2006): p78.
England raise the bar in defeat.
ENGLAND'S women may have finished runners-up to New Zealand in the World Cup final for the second time in succession, but yesterday's final in Edmonton is being hailed as the best ever game of women's rugby.
It was certainly the most physical and competitive match in the tournament's history and showcased a level of skill and athleticism not seen before in the women's game.
England, underdogs facing the defending champions, were always playing catch-up but had closed to within three points before New Zealand clinched a 25-17 victory with a late try through Amiria Marsh.
"We worked hard for 80 minutes and did everything we possibly could,'' England captain Jo Yapp said. "It was a tough game and you can't take anything away from the performance of the England girls.''
Despite dominating possession in the first half, England turned around 10-3 down after a try by Monalisa Codling and a conversion and penalty by Emma Jensen, Karen Andrew kicking a penalty for England.
England fell further behind when Stephanie Mortimer scored straight after the break. A penalty try and a touchdown by Helen Clayton closed the score to 20-17, but then Marsh eluded England's desperate cover defence to claim the crucial score.
After the match, centre Sue Day and back-row forwards Clayton and Georgia Stevens announced their retirement from international rugby.
Daily Telegraph (London, England) (Sept 19, 2006
Monday, 27 May 2002
England's world falls apart in final challenge
lison Kervin in Barcelona
ON A sun-dappled pitch at the imposing Olympic Stadium in Barcelona on Saturday evening, New Zealand beat England 19-9 to win the women's rugby World Cup. Their victory allows the Black Ferns to hold on to the most treasured prize in the game and it sends a clear and simple message out to the sporting world -women's rugby needs to be invested in, supported and taken seriously.
The match was a battle between the two superpowers -a contest between England, who "invented" women's rugby, and New Zealand, their southern-hemisphere opponents who appropriated and developed it. A familiar rugby tale.
New Zealand were the better side on Saturday; they were superior in the forwards and awesome in defence, as they had been throughout the tournament. They have not conceded a try and have had just 12 points scored against them.
Their win marks the high point of an extraordinary and well-managed turnaround. Last summer they lost to England in New Zealand, prompting a thorough overhaul of their game. A panel comprising leading New Zealand coaches such as Wayne Smith and Robbie Deanes was established to work with Darryl Suasua, the side's regular coach, to improve standards. As part of the new regime, the women trained alongside men's Super 12 development teams.
The policy paid off magnificently on Saturday. As Suasua ran on to the field - looking like a modern-day Ruud Gullit with his dreadlocks, designer sunglasses and hefty jewellery, -his team's transformation was complete. There is no doubt that they have made an important statement about the future of the women's game. "We have worked hard since the summer -we've been fully backed by the New Zealand Rugby Union and had support from the whole of the men's game. That's why this side is so strong," he said.
England's women are also fully integrated into the Rugby Football Union now but, it would be fair to say, without the same enthusiasm that the Kiwi women have received. The attitude is that if anyone appears in the black shirt of New Zealand, they are to be treated with respect. The women's route through the World Cup was followed avidly in New Zealand and the final was screened live, even though it was at 3am local time.
At the end of the tournament, as the New Zealand team performed the haka to celebrate their victory and We Are The Champions resonated around the stadium, the England team clutched their silver medals to their chests and hugged one another.
To come so close to victory, and to lose in the final game, is a devastating blow, but to make it to a World Cup final in the first place is a magnificent achievement. That England have made it to every women's World Cup final says much about the dedication and commitment of those behind the game in this country.
The disappointment of not being world champions will linger for Paula George, the England captain, and Geoff Richards, the coach, but hopefully they will take the time to reflect on just how much they achieved in Barcelona and how much they have done for the women's game.
SCORERS: England: Penalty goals: Rae 2 (5min, 32). Dropped goal: Rae (19). New Zealand: Tries: Hirovanaa (40), Waaka (48). Penalty goals: Wilson 2 (4, 14), Myers (83).
SCORING SEQUENCE (England first): 0-3, 3-3, 3-6, 6-6, 9-6, 9-11 (half-time), 9-16, 9-19.
ENGLAND: P George (Wasps); N Crawford (Worcester), N Jupp (Richmond), S Rudge (Clifton; rep: A De Biase, Saracens 73min), S Day (Wasps); S Rae (Wasps; blood rep: S Appleby, Clifton, 56-61), J Yapp (Worcester); M Edwards (Saracens; rep: T O'Reilly, Saracens, 53), A Garnett (Saracens, sin-bin, 30-40), V Huxford (Wasps), K Henderson (Clifton), T Andrews (Richmond; rep: G Burns, Waterloo, 75); J Phillips (Richmond; rep: H Clayton, Saracens, 53), G Stevens (Clifton), C Frost (Saracens).
NEW ZEALAND: T Wilson; D Kahura, A Rush, S Shortland (rep: H Myers, 66), A Marsh; A Richards, M Hirovanaa; R Sheck (rep: H Va'aga, 52), F Palmer, R Luia'ana, M Codling, V Heighway (sin-bin, 64-74), C Waaka, A Lili'i (rep: M Robinson, 75), R Martin.
Referee: G De Santis (Italy).
The Times (London, England) (May 27, 2002): p26
England's final push falls short
ENGLAND narrowly failed in their attempt to win the World Cup on Saturday, going down 19-9 to a powerful New Zealand side in
Barcelona's Olympic Stadium.
The final, played in front of nearly 8,000 spectators, was tense throughout but England were ultimately outgunned by a New Zealand side who have taken women's rugby to a new level over the past 18 months.
The Kiwis, under coach Darryl Suasua - who announced his retirement following their victory - had conceded just three points before the final and fully deserved to win their second successive title.
England briefly led 9-6 in the first half, thanks to two penalties and a drop-goal from fly-half Shelley Rae. New Zealand struck back with a try either side of half-time, and an astute kicking game gave England little chance to further threaten the New
Zealand line.
Paula George, the England captain, had hoped that beating New Zealand last summer would give the team the confidence to repeat the feat. "We had them running scared for long periods," she said. "But unfortunately we didn't turn our pressure into points."
England's coach, Geoff Richards, felt that the better team had won. "New Zealand are a fantastic side and kept us under pressure for the whole game," he said. "We were living off scraps in the second half and, unless you have a platform up front, it is difficult to launch meaningful attacks."
Nevertheless the team hope that their performance, and the standard of play in this tournament, might persuade Rugby Football Union officials to allow women to play on Twickenham's hallowed turf. "Hopefully it won't be too long now till we play at HQ," Richards said, "We are a national team and we feel we deserve to play in a national stadium."
Daily Telegraph (London, England) (May 27, 2002)
ON A sun-dappled pitch at the imposing Olympic Stadium in Barcelona on Saturday evening, New Zealand beat England 19-9 to win the women's rugby World Cup. Their victory allows the Black Ferns to hold on to the most treasured prize in the game and it sends a clear and simple message out to the sporting world -women's rugby needs to be invested in, supported and taken seriously.
The match was a battle between the two superpowers -a contest between England, who "invented" women's rugby, and New Zealand, their southern-hemisphere opponents who appropriated and developed it. A familiar rugby tale.
New Zealand were the better side on Saturday; they were superior in the forwards and awesome in defence, as they had been throughout the tournament. They have not conceded a try and have had just 12 points scored against them.
Their win marks the high point of an extraordinary and well-managed turnaround. Last summer they lost to England in New Zealand, prompting a thorough overhaul of their game. A panel comprising leading New Zealand coaches such as Wayne Smith and Robbie Deanes was established to work with Darryl Suasua, the side's regular coach, to improve standards. As part of the new regime, the women trained alongside men's Super 12 development teams.
The policy paid off magnificently on Saturday. As Suasua ran on to the field - looking like a modern-day Ruud Gullit with his dreadlocks, designer sunglasses and hefty jewellery, -his team's transformation was complete. There is no doubt that they have made an important statement about the future of the women's game. "We have worked hard since the summer -we've been fully backed by the New Zealand Rugby Union and had support from the whole of the men's game. That's why this side is so strong," he said.
England's women are also fully integrated into the Rugby Football Union now but, it would be fair to say, without the same enthusiasm that the Kiwi women have received. The attitude is that if anyone appears in the black shirt of New Zealand, they are to be treated with respect. The women's route through the World Cup was followed avidly in New Zealand and the final was screened live, even though it was at 3am local time.
At the end of the tournament, as the New Zealand team performed the haka to celebrate their victory and We Are The Champions resonated around the stadium, the England team clutched their silver medals to their chests and hugged one another.
To come so close to victory, and to lose in the final game, is a devastating blow, but to make it to a World Cup final in the first place is a magnificent achievement. That England have made it to every women's World Cup final says much about the dedication and commitment of those behind the game in this country.
The disappointment of not being world champions will linger for Paula George, the England captain, and Geoff Richards, the coach, but hopefully they will take the time to reflect on just how much they achieved in Barcelona and how much they have done for the women's game.
SCORERS: England: Penalty goals: Rae 2 (5min, 32). Dropped goal: Rae (19). New Zealand: Tries: Hirovanaa (40), Waaka (48). Penalty goals: Wilson 2 (4, 14), Myers (83).
SCORING SEQUENCE (England first): 0-3, 3-3, 3-6, 6-6, 9-6, 9-11 (half-time), 9-16, 9-19.
ENGLAND: P George (Wasps); N Crawford (Worcester), N Jupp (Richmond), S Rudge (Clifton; rep: A De Biase, Saracens 73min), S Day (Wasps); S Rae (Wasps; blood rep: S Appleby, Clifton, 56-61), J Yapp (Worcester); M Edwards (Saracens; rep: T O'Reilly, Saracens, 53), A Garnett (Saracens, sin-bin, 30-40), V Huxford (Wasps), K Henderson (Clifton), T Andrews (Richmond; rep: G Burns, Waterloo, 75); J Phillips (Richmond; rep: H Clayton, Saracens, 53), G Stevens (Clifton), C Frost (Saracens).
NEW ZEALAND: T Wilson; D Kahura, A Rush, S Shortland (rep: H Myers, 66), A Marsh; A Richards, M Hirovanaa; R Sheck (rep: H Va'aga, 52), F Palmer, R Luia'ana, M Codling, V Heighway (sin-bin, 64-74), C Waaka, A Lili'i (rep: M Robinson, 75), R Martin.
Referee: G De Santis (Italy).
The Times (London, England) (May 27, 2002): p26
England's final push falls short
ENGLAND narrowly failed in their attempt to win the World Cup on Saturday, going down 19-9 to a powerful New Zealand side in
Barcelona's Olympic Stadium.
The final, played in front of nearly 8,000 spectators, was tense throughout but England were ultimately outgunned by a New Zealand side who have taken women's rugby to a new level over the past 18 months.
The Kiwis, under coach Darryl Suasua - who announced his retirement following their victory - had conceded just three points before the final and fully deserved to win their second successive title.
England briefly led 9-6 in the first half, thanks to two penalties and a drop-goal from fly-half Shelley Rae. New Zealand struck back with a try either side of half-time, and an astute kicking game gave England little chance to further threaten the New
Zealand line.
Paula George, the England captain, had hoped that beating New Zealand last summer would give the team the confidence to repeat the feat. "We had them running scared for long periods," she said. "But unfortunately we didn't turn our pressure into points."
England's coach, Geoff Richards, felt that the better team had won. "New Zealand are a fantastic side and kept us under pressure for the whole game," he said. "We were living off scraps in the second half and, unless you have a platform up front, it is difficult to launch meaningful attacks."
Nevertheless the team hope that their performance, and the standard of play in this tournament, might persuade Rugby Football Union officials to allow women to play on Twickenham's hallowed turf. "Hopefully it won't be too long now till we play at HQ," Richards said, "We are a national team and we feel we deserve to play in a national stadium."
Daily Telegraph (London, England) (May 27, 2002)
Sunday, 26 May 2002
New Zealand crowned the queens of rugby
England 9 New Zealand 19
WHILE the nation has been captivated by David Beckham's left foot, few will have noticed that England came tantalisingly close to winning the World Cup yesterday.
England women's rugby team narrowly lost to a physical New Zealand team in the final of the 2002 IRB World Cup here yesterday but were part of an absorbing contest.
England's coach, Geoff Richards, felt the game took women's rugby to new heights. "It was a fantastic spectacle," he said. "Women's rugby has improved markedly since 1998 and will continue to. The game will increase in popularity and standards will rise accordingly."
Though the organisers could not claim to have converted hundreds of Spaniards to the oval game, the tournament has been an undoubted success. Nearly 8,000 people turned up to watch the culmination of this two-week competition centred around the Catalan city and women's rugby's two heavyweights contested the match in a stadium worthy of any final.
New Zealand are undoubtedly the queens of their game, conceding no tries and just 12 points in the whole campaign. England, though, were gallant losers, led superbly by their captain Paula George. "We are gutted," she said, "and I cannot put into words quite how we feel. But we have to look forward. I'm exceptionally proud of my team and I could not have asked for any more."
The women's game so long the target of scepticism back home, has made rapid progress. New Zealand, under the guide of their coach, Darryl Suasua, who retired following the final, has showcased players with improved technical and physical ability. Strong forward play and speed in the back line was too much for England to handle on the day.
But more important than the result was the spirit in which the game was played. It was a fantastic advert for the women's game which is already one of the fastest growing sports in the world. The final also provided a brief glimpse of what the men's game is lacking since it turned professional.
Yes, the pre-final entertainment was distinctly amateurish but that was the beauty of it. The majority of the 16 competing teams stayed long after the final whistle and mixed happily with each other. Enemies on the pitch, friends off it - rugby's brotherhood (or sisterhood) was evident. The women's game is free from the financial incentives and imperatives that have become part and parcel of the men's game.
Scores: 3-0 Wilson pen; 3-3 Rae pen 3-3; 6-3 Wilson pen, 6-6 Rae drop-goal, 6-9 Rae pen, 11-9 Hirovanaa try, 16-9 Waaka try, 19-9 Marsh pen.
New Zealand: T Wilson; D Cahura, A Rush, S Shortland, H Myers; A Richards, M Hirovanaa; R Sheck, F Palmer, R Luiaana, M Codling, V Heighway; C Waaka, A Lilii; R Martin,
England: P George; N Crawford, N Jupp, S Rudge, S Day; S Rae, J Yapp; M Edwards, A Garnett, V Huxford, K Henderson, T Andrews, J Phillips, G Stevens, C Frost
Sunday Telegraph (London, England) (May 26, 2002)
New Zealand crowned the queens of rugby
England fell at the ultimate hurdle in the Women's Rugby World Cup yesterday when they lost the final to the defending champions, New Zealand, in Barcelona's Olympic Stadium.
However, the game was much harder-fought than the Black Ferns' eventual margin of victory, 19-9, suggests. Shelley Rae's kicking kept the runners- up in contention throughout a tight first half, but New Zealand eventually eased clear with tries from Monique Hirovanaa and Cheryl Waaka.
Rae cancelled out two Tammi Wilson penalties with one of her own plus her first drop goal of the tournament before adding a second penalty to edge England 9-6 ahead.
But Hirovanaa put the Kiwis back in front when she spotted a gap after 33 minutes and crossed to give her side an 11-9 half-time lead.
Waaka extended that advantage to seven points when she breached the English defence six minutes after the restart, and the Black Ferns managed to hold on for the rest of the second half despite the sin-binning of Victoria Heighway. Hannah Myers, a replacement, sealed New Zealand's triumph in this 16-team, two-week tournament when she added a penalty in injury time.
France, beaten 30-0 by the Kiwis in their semi-final, bounced back to hammer Canada 41-7 in the third-place match. The French helped themselves to four first-half tries, including a pair from centre Nathalie Amiel, en route to a 24-0 interval lead.
In the second half, the prop Dalphine Plantet went over for her second try of the day and the French were only denied a clean-sheet victory when the Canadian centre Julie Foster touched down and Kelly McCallum supplied the conversion.
France completed the scoring in the 71st minute when their No 8, Clotilde Flaugere, claimed their sixth try. Estelle Sardini added the conversion to swell her points total to 11 for the match.
Scotland had to be content with sixth place after they were routed 30- 0 in their closing game by Australia. Charmain Smith, a wing, ran in a brace of first-half tries as the Wallaroos built a 13-0 half-time lead, and there were further touchdowns after the break from centre Sharon O'Kane and flanker Selena Worsley. The rest of Australia's points came via the boot of Tui Ormsby, who kicked two penalties and two conversions.
Had they not run into a rampant New Zealand line-up at the quarter-final stage last weekend, the Australians might well have finished higher in the overall pecking order than fifth.
The Independent on Sunday (London, England) (May 26, 2002): p8
WHILE the nation has been captivated by David Beckham's left foot, few will have noticed that England came tantalisingly close to winning the World Cup yesterday.
England women's rugby team narrowly lost to a physical New Zealand team in the final of the 2002 IRB World Cup here yesterday but were part of an absorbing contest.
England's coach, Geoff Richards, felt the game took women's rugby to new heights. "It was a fantastic spectacle," he said. "Women's rugby has improved markedly since 1998 and will continue to. The game will increase in popularity and standards will rise accordingly."
Though the organisers could not claim to have converted hundreds of Spaniards to the oval game, the tournament has been an undoubted success. Nearly 8,000 people turned up to watch the culmination of this two-week competition centred around the Catalan city and women's rugby's two heavyweights contested the match in a stadium worthy of any final.
New Zealand are undoubtedly the queens of their game, conceding no tries and just 12 points in the whole campaign. England, though, were gallant losers, led superbly by their captain Paula George. "We are gutted," she said, "and I cannot put into words quite how we feel. But we have to look forward. I'm exceptionally proud of my team and I could not have asked for any more."
The women's game so long the target of scepticism back home, has made rapid progress. New Zealand, under the guide of their coach, Darryl Suasua, who retired following the final, has showcased players with improved technical and physical ability. Strong forward play and speed in the back line was too much for England to handle on the day.
But more important than the result was the spirit in which the game was played. It was a fantastic advert for the women's game which is already one of the fastest growing sports in the world. The final also provided a brief glimpse of what the men's game is lacking since it turned professional.
Yes, the pre-final entertainment was distinctly amateurish but that was the beauty of it. The majority of the 16 competing teams stayed long after the final whistle and mixed happily with each other. Enemies on the pitch, friends off it - rugby's brotherhood (or sisterhood) was evident. The women's game is free from the financial incentives and imperatives that have become part and parcel of the men's game.
Scores: 3-0 Wilson pen; 3-3 Rae pen 3-3; 6-3 Wilson pen, 6-6 Rae drop-goal, 6-9 Rae pen, 11-9 Hirovanaa try, 16-9 Waaka try, 19-9 Marsh pen.
New Zealand: T Wilson; D Cahura, A Rush, S Shortland, H Myers; A Richards, M Hirovanaa; R Sheck, F Palmer, R Luiaana, M Codling, V Heighway; C Waaka, A Lilii; R Martin,
England: P George; N Crawford, N Jupp, S Rudge, S Day; S Rae, J Yapp; M Edwards, A Garnett, V Huxford, K Henderson, T Andrews, J Phillips, G Stevens, C Frost
Sunday Telegraph (London, England) (May 26, 2002)
New Zealand crowned the queens of rugby
England fell at the ultimate hurdle in the Women's Rugby World Cup yesterday when they lost the final to the defending champions, New Zealand, in Barcelona's Olympic Stadium.
However, the game was much harder-fought than the Black Ferns' eventual margin of victory, 19-9, suggests. Shelley Rae's kicking kept the runners- up in contention throughout a tight first half, but New Zealand eventually eased clear with tries from Monique Hirovanaa and Cheryl Waaka.
Rae cancelled out two Tammi Wilson penalties with one of her own plus her first drop goal of the tournament before adding a second penalty to edge England 9-6 ahead.
But Hirovanaa put the Kiwis back in front when she spotted a gap after 33 minutes and crossed to give her side an 11-9 half-time lead.
Waaka extended that advantage to seven points when she breached the English defence six minutes after the restart, and the Black Ferns managed to hold on for the rest of the second half despite the sin-binning of Victoria Heighway. Hannah Myers, a replacement, sealed New Zealand's triumph in this 16-team, two-week tournament when she added a penalty in injury time.
France, beaten 30-0 by the Kiwis in their semi-final, bounced back to hammer Canada 41-7 in the third-place match. The French helped themselves to four first-half tries, including a pair from centre Nathalie Amiel, en route to a 24-0 interval lead.
In the second half, the prop Dalphine Plantet went over for her second try of the day and the French were only denied a clean-sheet victory when the Canadian centre Julie Foster touched down and Kelly McCallum supplied the conversion.
France completed the scoring in the 71st minute when their No 8, Clotilde Flaugere, claimed their sixth try. Estelle Sardini added the conversion to swell her points total to 11 for the match.
Scotland had to be content with sixth place after they were routed 30- 0 in their closing game by Australia. Charmain Smith, a wing, ran in a brace of first-half tries as the Wallaroos built a 13-0 half-time lead, and there were further touchdowns after the break from centre Sharon O'Kane and flanker Selena Worsley. The rest of Australia's points came via the boot of Tui Ormsby, who kicked two penalties and two conversions.
Had they not run into a rampant New Zealand line-up at the quarter-final stage last weekend, the Australians might well have finished higher in the overall pecking order than fifth.
The Independent on Sunday (London, England) (May 26, 2002): p8
Monday, 20 May 2002
Kiwi trailblazers pack a potent punch
WOMEN rugby players have often looked tough, but mostly it was an illusion. All sweatbands but no sweat, to borrow Colin Meads's dismissive phrase for one England pack. Women can clearly run and pass - quite superbly in the case of the 1998 New Zealand girls - but their game often lacked the satisfying impact and collisions that sets rugby apart from other sports. Rugby, yes, but not as we know it.
Things change, however. The defining feature of the 1998 tournament in Amsterdam was the pace and sheer athleticism of the New Zealand girls, whose "play book" was exactly the same as their senior male All Blacks counterparts. They catapulted the women's game forward about two decades and to contain their virtuosity teams across the world have had to concentrate on defence and aggressive tackling.
So it has been getting very physical under the hot Catalan sun. Tempers have occasionally flared, players have been sent off and the tournament littered with yellow cards. Samoa - making their first appearance on the women's rugby scene - clashed mightily against Scotland and two players were dismissed, but
the biggest collision of all was Australia's clash with New Zealand on Saturday. There is no love lost between these two rugby nations and it showed. The result was probably the most intense, full-on physical confrontation the women's game has seen.
It was not dirty, just brutal. The smaller Aussies were outgunned in every department except courage. Big hits, now obligatory rather than simply desirable, were reeled off. The mother of all tackles came from full-back Bronwyn Laidlaw, who hit Tammi Wilson with such force to save one certain try that you feared for both girls. To their mutual surprise they got up,
gingerly, dusted themselves off and stared with new-found respect and awe at each other. They were still comparing notes about "the tackle" hours after the game.
The dam eventually burst late in the second half and New Zealand ran out 36-3 winners, poor reward for the brave Australians who received no favours from the referee. Their approach and courage was repeated in the next game when hosts Spain, heading for a heavy defeat on known form, took England to the limit.
The Spanish were pumped up by a noisy home crowd and highly motivated after a minute's silence for the father of their lock, Marish Rus, who had died two days earlier. His daughter, after wiping away the tears, had the game of her life, as did her colleagues. Mighty England, the only team thought capable of challenging New Zealand, found themselves in a dogfight and didn't like it. They trailed 5-0 at half-time to a try by Spain wing Isabel Perez and only two tries after the break by Nicky Jupp and wing Nicola Crawford, salvaged a 13-5 win.
England now play Canada, 11-0 winners over the fiesty Scots, in their semi-final tomorrow, while the French are next in the firing line against New Zealand.
"We were very nervous and poor, just as we were against Italy in our first game," admitted England captain Paula George. "Our hope now is that we can settle down and produce our best form. A decent performance must be just around the corner. We've trained well, the draw has been kind to us, there are no excuses really. We just need to make it happen."
The much anticipated New Zealand-England final at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday is still a probability. If so, it will be the last game in charge for Kiwi coach Darryl Suasua, who is seeking a National Provincial Championship contract after seven years with the girls.
"It's been a pleasure and a privilege and there's plenty the women can teach the guys," said Suasua, who coaches the Marist club in Auckland. "Firstly, discipline - generally they are much better. Secondly, attention to detail and work ethic. When I
introduce a new play or strategy,
they listen, absorb and execute.
"If I try the same with a guys' team, there's a think-tank of senior players mulling it all over and picking the bones out of it before it is accepted. And thirdly, fun. They always enjoy their rugby."
Daily Telegraph (London, England) (May 20, 2002): p09
Things change, however. The defining feature of the 1998 tournament in Amsterdam was the pace and sheer athleticism of the New Zealand girls, whose "play book" was exactly the same as their senior male All Blacks counterparts. They catapulted the women's game forward about two decades and to contain their virtuosity teams across the world have had to concentrate on defence and aggressive tackling.
So it has been getting very physical under the hot Catalan sun. Tempers have occasionally flared, players have been sent off and the tournament littered with yellow cards. Samoa - making their first appearance on the women's rugby scene - clashed mightily against Scotland and two players were dismissed, but
the biggest collision of all was Australia's clash with New Zealand on Saturday. There is no love lost between these two rugby nations and it showed. The result was probably the most intense, full-on physical confrontation the women's game has seen.
It was not dirty, just brutal. The smaller Aussies were outgunned in every department except courage. Big hits, now obligatory rather than simply desirable, were reeled off. The mother of all tackles came from full-back Bronwyn Laidlaw, who hit Tammi Wilson with such force to save one certain try that you feared for both girls. To their mutual surprise they got up,
gingerly, dusted themselves off and stared with new-found respect and awe at each other. They were still comparing notes about "the tackle" hours after the game.
The dam eventually burst late in the second half and New Zealand ran out 36-3 winners, poor reward for the brave Australians who received no favours from the referee. Their approach and courage was repeated in the next game when hosts Spain, heading for a heavy defeat on known form, took England to the limit.
The Spanish were pumped up by a noisy home crowd and highly motivated after a minute's silence for the father of their lock, Marish Rus, who had died two days earlier. His daughter, after wiping away the tears, had the game of her life, as did her colleagues. Mighty England, the only team thought capable of challenging New Zealand, found themselves in a dogfight and didn't like it. They trailed 5-0 at half-time to a try by Spain wing Isabel Perez and only two tries after the break by Nicky Jupp and wing Nicola Crawford, salvaged a 13-5 win.
England now play Canada, 11-0 winners over the fiesty Scots, in their semi-final tomorrow, while the French are next in the firing line against New Zealand.
"We were very nervous and poor, just as we were against Italy in our first game," admitted England captain Paula George. "Our hope now is that we can settle down and produce our best form. A decent performance must be just around the corner. We've trained well, the draw has been kind to us, there are no excuses really. We just need to make it happen."
The much anticipated New Zealand-England final at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday is still a probability. If so, it will be the last game in charge for Kiwi coach Darryl Suasua, who is seeking a National Provincial Championship contract after seven years with the girls.
"It's been a pleasure and a privilege and there's plenty the women can teach the guys," said Suasua, who coaches the Marist club in Auckland. "Firstly, discipline - generally they are much better. Secondly, attention to detail and work ethic. When I
introduce a new play or strategy,
they listen, absorb and execute.
"If I try the same with a guys' team, there's a think-tank of senior players mulling it all over and picking the bones out of it before it is accepted. And thirdly, fun. They always enjoy their rugby."
Daily Telegraph (London, England) (May 20, 2002): p09
Sunday, 17 June 2001
Historic win for women; Rugby Union
Marian Phillips
The New Zealand women's squad, unbeaten since 1991, are shattered by a thrilling late victory for England, reports Marian Phillips
A DRAMATIC late try in the last act of the match, scored by Emily Feltham after a 60-metre movement, gave the England women's team victory over New Zealand and a 1-1 share of the Test series in Albany, New Zealand, yesterday.
The New Zealand Black Ferns have been dominant in the women's international game of late, were unbeaten since 1991 and are holders of the World Cup. Their semi-professional squad is revered in New Zealand and only two years ago they defeated England by 67-0 and 44-11.
However, England had given notice of their own improvement by winning the recent series against Australia by two Tests to nil and by running New Zealand close in the first Test, played last week. Yesterday's match, played as a curtain-raiser to the New Zealand-Manu Samoa match, was one of the finest in the history of the women's international game.
New Zealand led 12-8 at half-time, with England's only try of the first half coming from Nicky Crawford, the Worcester wing. A superb try by Shelley Rae, the fly-half, gave England the lead at 15-12 in the second half but New Zealand struck back with a try and maintained their 17-15 lead until well into stoppage time. England's last attack was begun out of deep defence and carried on through several phases until Paula George, the England full-back and captain, sent Feltham over for the try that won the match.
"The key was our self-belief," said Geoff Richards, the England head coach. "New Zealand's record is frighteningly good but we had selfconfidence in our squad. It is probably the high point of women's rugby in England. It was a great match and I am delighted for the players."
The victory represents comforting news for those who follow the women's game who felt that New Zealand's domination had become so absolute as to be potentially ruinous. The England squad have benefited from one of Sport England's World Class Performance grants which has allowed the players funding for training and other equipment and enabled some players to become part-time professionals. Many of the England squad are accomplished sportswomen who have reached high levels in other sports and who have opted for rugby to take part in the boom in the women's game that has taken place in the past decade.
Carol Isherwood, the Rugby Football Union for Women's performance director, said: "This victory is a triumph for all our efforts and for the concept of grant-aiding of elite teams. Hopefully, it will put us on the map as far as New Zealand are concerned because some people here found it difficult to accept that we might be contenders. Hopefully, it will give the women's game at international and domestic level more impetus."
Prospects for the England squad are good, since the tour party contained a large number of promising newcomers. But for long-suffering fans in the northern hemisphere who have grown up with the notion of New Zealand superiority in the men's and women's game, the news from New Zealand is that the Kiwis, after a 22-17 defeat, had been roasted.
Meanwhile, Nicola Ponsford, a leading player and administrator in the women's game, received an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Sunday Times (London, England) (June 17, 2001): p5
The New Zealand women's squad, unbeaten since 1991, are shattered by a thrilling late victory for England, reports Marian Phillips
A DRAMATIC late try in the last act of the match, scored by Emily Feltham after a 60-metre movement, gave the England women's team victory over New Zealand and a 1-1 share of the Test series in Albany, New Zealand, yesterday.
The New Zealand Black Ferns have been dominant in the women's international game of late, were unbeaten since 1991 and are holders of the World Cup. Their semi-professional squad is revered in New Zealand and only two years ago they defeated England by 67-0 and 44-11.
However, England had given notice of their own improvement by winning the recent series against Australia by two Tests to nil and by running New Zealand close in the first Test, played last week. Yesterday's match, played as a curtain-raiser to the New Zealand-Manu Samoa match, was one of the finest in the history of the women's international game.
New Zealand led 12-8 at half-time, with England's only try of the first half coming from Nicky Crawford, the Worcester wing. A superb try by Shelley Rae, the fly-half, gave England the lead at 15-12 in the second half but New Zealand struck back with a try and maintained their 17-15 lead until well into stoppage time. England's last attack was begun out of deep defence and carried on through several phases until Paula George, the England full-back and captain, sent Feltham over for the try that won the match.
"The key was our self-belief," said Geoff Richards, the England head coach. "New Zealand's record is frighteningly good but we had selfconfidence in our squad. It is probably the high point of women's rugby in England. It was a great match and I am delighted for the players."
The victory represents comforting news for those who follow the women's game who felt that New Zealand's domination had become so absolute as to be potentially ruinous. The England squad have benefited from one of Sport England's World Class Performance grants which has allowed the players funding for training and other equipment and enabled some players to become part-time professionals. Many of the England squad are accomplished sportswomen who have reached high levels in other sports and who have opted for rugby to take part in the boom in the women's game that has taken place in the past decade.
Carol Isherwood, the Rugby Football Union for Women's performance director, said: "This victory is a triumph for all our efforts and for the concept of grant-aiding of elite teams. Hopefully, it will put us on the map as far as New Zealand are concerned because some people here found it difficult to accept that we might be contenders. Hopefully, it will give the women's game at international and domestic level more impetus."
Prospects for the England squad are good, since the tour party contained a large number of promising newcomers. But for long-suffering fans in the northern hemisphere who have grown up with the notion of New Zealand superiority in the men's and women's game, the news from New Zealand is that the Kiwis, after a 22-17 defeat, had been roasted.
Meanwhile, Nicola Ponsford, a leading player and administrator in the women's game, received an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Sunday Times (London, England) (June 17, 2001): p5
Tuesday, 19 May 1998
World Cup: review
David Hands says the women's rugby World Cup illustrated a gulf in standards.
NEW Zealand, just as they have done in the men's game, set a new target of excellence when they carried off the women's World Cup in Amsterdam. In beating the United States 44-12, they set a standard to which others will aspire between now and the fourth tournament, in 2002.
During that time, the sport's administrators will be concerned to put in place a framework of matches that permits regular development in countries where the women's representative game is piecemeal. Too few of the countries competing in Holland have had that exposure, and it is likely that funds will be put aside for the staging of international tournaments as opposed to tours by those countries that can afford it. The International Rugby Board (IRB) gave Pounds 500,000 from Rugby World Cup for the organisation in Holland.
There will be concern, for example, that France appear to have gone backwards since the 1994 World Cup in Edinburgh; at the same time there will be pleasure at the advance of Canada and Kazakhstan - where fewer than 134 women play - and the ambition of Spain, the most popular team in the tournament. Yet if Canada, ranked fourth, could be beaten 81-15 by England in the third-place play-off, it indicates a gulf between the top three countries and the rest.
"We looked at where we were four years ago and there has been a 100 per cent improvement," Jill Zonneveld, the Canadian representative on the women's advisory committee to the IRB, said of the tournament as a whole.
"The levels of play have started to move up and the Dutch made this a highly-organised affair. Tenders for 2002 will go out in the next few weeks and we hope to know by January where it will be played. We have to consider development, impact and money." For those reasons, the venue is likely to be in Europe or North America, where access to sponsorship and television is greater.
Some 2,500 watched Vanessa Cootes score five of New Zealand's eight tries against the Americans on Sunday and confirm a technical expertise well in advance of any rival. The "Gal Blacks" had received coaching from John Hart and several members of his New Zealand men's squad and neither England in the semi-finals nor the Americans in the final could live with them.
It remains to be seen whether longstanding members of the England squad, which began with such high hopes of a successful defence of their 1994 title, will continue. An excellent spirit has been bred over the past three weeks and players such as Sue Day - switched to full back - and Jo Yapp, the 18-year-old scrum half, have received invaluable exposure.
FINAL RANKING (seeding in brackets): 1, New Zealand (4); 2, United States (2); 3, England (1); 4, Canada (8); 5, Australia (6); 6, Scotland (5); 7, Spain (7); 8, France (3); 9, Kazakhstan (14); 10, Ireland (11); 11, Wales (10); 12, Italy (12); 13, Holland (9); 14, Germany (13); 15, Sweden (16); 16, Russia (15).
Copyright (C) The Times, 1998
Source Citation
Hands, David. "New Zealand expose limitations; Rugby Union." Times [London, England] 19 May 1998
NEW Zealand, just as they have done in the men's game, set a new target of excellence when they carried off the women's World Cup in Amsterdam. In beating the United States 44-12, they set a standard to which others will aspire between now and the fourth tournament, in 2002.
During that time, the sport's administrators will be concerned to put in place a framework of matches that permits regular development in countries where the women's representative game is piecemeal. Too few of the countries competing in Holland have had that exposure, and it is likely that funds will be put aside for the staging of international tournaments as opposed to tours by those countries that can afford it. The International Rugby Board (IRB) gave Pounds 500,000 from Rugby World Cup for the organisation in Holland.
There will be concern, for example, that France appear to have gone backwards since the 1994 World Cup in Edinburgh; at the same time there will be pleasure at the advance of Canada and Kazakhstan - where fewer than 134 women play - and the ambition of Spain, the most popular team in the tournament. Yet if Canada, ranked fourth, could be beaten 81-15 by England in the third-place play-off, it indicates a gulf between the top three countries and the rest.
"We looked at where we were four years ago and there has been a 100 per cent improvement," Jill Zonneveld, the Canadian representative on the women's advisory committee to the IRB, said of the tournament as a whole.
"The levels of play have started to move up and the Dutch made this a highly-organised affair. Tenders for 2002 will go out in the next few weeks and we hope to know by January where it will be played. We have to consider development, impact and money." For those reasons, the venue is likely to be in Europe or North America, where access to sponsorship and television is greater.
Some 2,500 watched Vanessa Cootes score five of New Zealand's eight tries against the Americans on Sunday and confirm a technical expertise well in advance of any rival. The "Gal Blacks" had received coaching from John Hart and several members of his New Zealand men's squad and neither England in the semi-finals nor the Americans in the final could live with them.
It remains to be seen whether longstanding members of the England squad, which began with such high hopes of a successful defence of their 1994 title, will continue. An excellent spirit has been bred over the past three weeks and players such as Sue Day - switched to full back - and Jo Yapp, the 18-year-old scrum half, have received invaluable exposure.
FINAL RANKING (seeding in brackets): 1, New Zealand (4); 2, United States (2); 3, England (1); 4, Canada (8); 5, Australia (6); 6, Scotland (5); 7, Spain (7); 8, France (3); 9, Kazakhstan (14); 10, Ireland (11); 11, Wales (10); 12, Italy (12); 13, Holland (9); 14, Germany (13); 15, Sweden (16); 16, Russia (15).
Copyright (C) The Times, 1998
Source Citation
Hands, David. "New Zealand expose limitations; Rugby Union." Times [London, England] 19 May 1998
Monday, 18 May 1998
World Cup fina: report
JOHN WALES IN AMSTERDAM
New Zealand 46 USA 12
FROM the moment the All Blacks arrived here 16 days ago their desire to lift the women's rugby World Cup has been as overwhelming as their performances. Their invincibility did not, however, create a sense of anticlimax as they disposed of the United States 46 12 in the final.The match was a personal triumph for the All Black wing Vanessa Cootes, who came to the World Cup with the most prolific scoring record in women's international rugby. She scored five tries in Saturday's match to take her tally for the competition to eight and increase her record to 35 touchdowns in only nine games.
The defending champions England made up for their defeat by the All Blacks in the semi-final by securing third place with a 81 15 victory over Canada during which the Wasps full-back Sue Day scored four tries. The Five Nations champions Scotland lost the consolation Plate final, going down 25 15 to Australia.
Such is the interest in the women's game in New Zealand that the final was televised live. Other countries, including South Africa, have voiced a desire to participate in the 2002 tournament.
The New Zealand captain Farah Palmer said: 'We are absolutely ecstatic; I don't think this will ever sink in. The support from New Zealand has been unbelievable and we've been inundated with faxes and calls of best wishes.'
The United States' French coach Franck Boivert, who leaves the Eagles to coach Fiji's men's side, said: 'No matter how hard your own team tries to take the game to the All Blacks, they are faster, fitter and better. I don't believe anyone can stop them; they are unbeatable.'
Source Citation
"Rugby Union: Cootes crosses five times in a one-woman walkover: Women's World Cup Final." Guardian [London, England] 18 May 1998
New Zealand 46 USA 12
FROM the moment the All Blacks arrived here 16 days ago their desire to lift the women's rugby World Cup has been as overwhelming as their performances. Their invincibility did not, however, create a sense of anticlimax as they disposed of the United States 46 12 in the final.The match was a personal triumph for the All Black wing Vanessa Cootes, who came to the World Cup with the most prolific scoring record in women's international rugby. She scored five tries in Saturday's match to take her tally for the competition to eight and increase her record to 35 touchdowns in only nine games.
The defending champions England made up for their defeat by the All Blacks in the semi-final by securing third place with a 81 15 victory over Canada during which the Wasps full-back Sue Day scored four tries. The Five Nations champions Scotland lost the consolation Plate final, going down 25 15 to Australia.
Such is the interest in the women's game in New Zealand that the final was televised live. Other countries, including South Africa, have voiced a desire to participate in the 2002 tournament.
The New Zealand captain Farah Palmer said: 'We are absolutely ecstatic; I don't think this will ever sink in. The support from New Zealand has been unbelievable and we've been inundated with faxes and calls of best wishes.'
The United States' French coach Franck Boivert, who leaves the Eagles to coach Fiji's men's side, said: 'No matter how hard your own team tries to take the game to the All Blacks, they are faster, fitter and better. I don't believe anyone can stop them; they are unbeatable.'
Source Citation
"Rugby Union: Cootes crosses five times in a one-woman walkover: Women's World Cup Final." Guardian [London, England] 18 May 1998
Wednesday, 13 May 1998
World Cup: England v New Zealand: Report
JOHN WALES in AMSTERDAM
ENGLAND's hopes of retaining the women's rugby World Cup foundered against the mighty All Blacks, the valiant holders giving up their crown as the favourites recorded a 44 11 victory.
England had the audacity to take an early lead with two penalties but New Zealand responded with a penalty and a converted try from the centre Annaleah Rush to hold a 10 6 half-time advantage.The second half was emphatic, however, with New Zealand's powerful, pacy play overwhelming England in the 90F heat. Rush cemented her dominance by scoring another try, three conversions and a penalty for a personal tally of 24 points.
In between Rush's scores the stand-off Anna Richards and wing Vanessa Cootes touched down, the latter's double contributing to a remarkable international record of 30 tries in only eight games.
Bruised and battered, England countered with a consolation try from the lock Clair Green - the first of the tournament against New Zealand - but the All Blacks had the final say when the replacement Kellie Kiwi went over.
In Saturday's final New Zealand face the United States, who defeated Canada 46 6. The Americans, runners-up in 1994, beat the All Blacks in the 1991 final but few predict a repeat.
The England captain Emma Mitchell said: 'We did about the best we could against them for 30 minutes, when we had them rattled, but they are a great side and justify their status as the best in the world. Our goal has to be to come back stronger and aim to beat them next time.'
Scotland recovered from the disappointment of missing the final of the cup competition by beating France 27 7 to secure a place in the consolation plate final against Australia.
Source Citation
"Rugby Union: Other All Blacks end defence." Guardian [London, England] 13 May 1998
ENGLAND's hopes of retaining the women's rugby World Cup foundered against the mighty All Blacks, the valiant holders giving up their crown as the favourites recorded a 44 11 victory.
England had the audacity to take an early lead with two penalties but New Zealand responded with a penalty and a converted try from the centre Annaleah Rush to hold a 10 6 half-time advantage.The second half was emphatic, however, with New Zealand's powerful, pacy play overwhelming England in the 90F heat. Rush cemented her dominance by scoring another try, three conversions and a penalty for a personal tally of 24 points.
In between Rush's scores the stand-off Anna Richards and wing Vanessa Cootes touched down, the latter's double contributing to a remarkable international record of 30 tries in only eight games.
Bruised and battered, England countered with a consolation try from the lock Clair Green - the first of the tournament against New Zealand - but the All Blacks had the final say when the replacement Kellie Kiwi went over.
In Saturday's final New Zealand face the United States, who defeated Canada 46 6. The Americans, runners-up in 1994, beat the All Blacks in the 1991 final but few predict a repeat.
The England captain Emma Mitchell said: 'We did about the best we could against them for 30 minutes, when we had them rattled, but they are a great side and justify their status as the best in the world. Our goal has to be to come back stronger and aim to beat them next time.'
Scotland recovered from the disappointment of missing the final of the cup competition by beating France 27 7 to secure a place in the consolation plate final against Australia.
Source Citation
"Rugby Union: Other All Blacks end defence." Guardian [London, England] 13 May 1998
Sunday, 3 August 1997
England prepare for New Zealand tour
Louise Taylor talks to the England women's rugby union captain as the squad begin a tour of New Zealand
A CHILDHOOD punctuated by plies and demi-plies perfected at the barre of her mother's ballet school has accelerated the adult sporting career of Britain's premier female rugby union player.
Acknowledged as the world's best No 8, Gill Burns is England's captain and highest try-scoring forward. A Formby-based PE teacher, she is also a qualified dancing instructor boasting diplomas in ballet, tap and modern.
"Ballet has improved the rugby because it involves a lot of elevation, enabling me to jump so much further at lineouts," she explained. "It helps with co-ordination and technique too."
The England ensemble Burns is captaining on this month's tour of New Zealand are global champions and she admits being unable to envisage an existence beyond next May's World Cup defence in Holland.
That target now ranks as "my main focus in life" but things were vastly different 10 years ago when the then 23-year-old was persuaded to "give rugby a go". Cynical curiosity turned to addiction and Burns took just 12 months to metamorphose from novice to England debutant.
"My first international was against Sweden at my club, Waterloo and, and in the bar afterwards, a man admitted coming to see 'tits and bums' but, after five minutes, realised he was watching 'a bloody good' game of rugger."
Though strident chauvinism is in recession, she is still aware of discreetly muttered disapproval: "You get some funny comments about women's bodies not being built for contact. There are big impact tackles but no fisticuffs; women haven't got the same macho egos."
Men and women do share similar competitive instincts and Burns is also a UK-ranked shot-putter; although oval-ball commitments dictate that time devoted to athletics is severely curtailed.
Ditto household spending. Playing rugby costs internationals "around Pounds 3,000 a year", determining that England's captain is consequently unable to replace her E-reg Ford Orion which displays 170,000 miles on the clock.
Small wonder that she muses: "It would be great to have a sponsor who would buy us a few train tickets." Instead England are duly grateful to Berlei, providers of sports bras, and Puma, boot suppliers.
A little limelight would be welcome though. As Burns said: "I'll always remember stopping at a service station on the way back from the last World Cup in Edinburgh. The final had been on Grandstand and some men came up and said they'd enjoyed watching. It was nice to be recognised."
What a shame reactionary sponsors and cautious television producers are not disposed to help make it regular.
Copyright (C) The Sunday Times, 1997
Source Citation
Taylor, Louise. "Burns in step and on song; Rugby Union." Sunday Times [London, England] 3 Aug. 1997
A CHILDHOOD punctuated by plies and demi-plies perfected at the barre of her mother's ballet school has accelerated the adult sporting career of Britain's premier female rugby union player.
Acknowledged as the world's best No 8, Gill Burns is England's captain and highest try-scoring forward. A Formby-based PE teacher, she is also a qualified dancing instructor boasting diplomas in ballet, tap and modern.
"Ballet has improved the rugby because it involves a lot of elevation, enabling me to jump so much further at lineouts," she explained. "It helps with co-ordination and technique too."
The England ensemble Burns is captaining on this month's tour of New Zealand are global champions and she admits being unable to envisage an existence beyond next May's World Cup defence in Holland.
That target now ranks as "my main focus in life" but things were vastly different 10 years ago when the then 23-year-old was persuaded to "give rugby a go". Cynical curiosity turned to addiction and Burns took just 12 months to metamorphose from novice to England debutant.
"My first international was against Sweden at my club, Waterloo and, and in the bar afterwards, a man admitted coming to see 'tits and bums' but, after five minutes, realised he was watching 'a bloody good' game of rugger."
Though strident chauvinism is in recession, she is still aware of discreetly muttered disapproval: "You get some funny comments about women's bodies not being built for contact. There are big impact tackles but no fisticuffs; women haven't got the same macho egos."
Men and women do share similar competitive instincts and Burns is also a UK-ranked shot-putter; although oval-ball commitments dictate that time devoted to athletics is severely curtailed.
Ditto household spending. Playing rugby costs internationals "around Pounds 3,000 a year", determining that England's captain is consequently unable to replace her E-reg Ford Orion which displays 170,000 miles on the clock.
Small wonder that she muses: "It would be great to have a sponsor who would buy us a few train tickets." Instead England are duly grateful to Berlei, providers of sports bras, and Puma, boot suppliers.
A little limelight would be welcome though. As Burns said: "I'll always remember stopping at a service station on the way back from the last World Cup in Edinburgh. The final had been on Grandstand and some men came up and said they'd enjoyed watching. It was nice to be recognised."
What a shame reactionary sponsors and cautious television producers are not disposed to help make it regular.
Copyright (C) The Sunday Times, 1997
Source Citation
Taylor, Louise. "Burns in step and on song; Rugby Union." Sunday Times [London, England] 3 Aug. 1997
Monday, 31 July 1995
Prejudice in New Zealand: John Kirwan
AFTER the speeches are made, the festivities can begin in unbridled earnest. The bartenders are kept busy as the senior players mingle with the multitudes, flirting capriciously in a sea of supporters and peers. Amidst the pre-eminent company, women's rugby is only a temporary conversation piece. An older woman appears bemused. She is holding a beer for one of the All Blacks, a responsibility she is thrilled to have. 'Why would you want to play the sport?' she asks. 'It's so violent.' Behind her, a male player chats with one female admirer while surreptitiously groping the backside of another. A drink is spilled, but no one notices. John Kirwan, the number 14 who has become an All Black institution - 'the best winger in the world,' some say - approaches a young American woman who has joined Marist during her two-month stay in New Zealand. He towers over her. He, too, wants to know why she plays rugby. 'And don't give me any of that feminist bullshit,' he adds curtly over the noise of the hired band. She seems puzzled by the question. 'I love the game,' she answers. Her reason is almost depressingly logical - why else would women subject themselves to such an under-appreciated role? - but Kirwan refuses to accept this response and insists on further justification. 'I don't believe in women's rugby,' he says. 'Why don't you leave something to us?' . . . The band is soon replaced by someone's CD collection, and Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing comes on during the fraternising and flirtation. Meanwhile, the American is having an animated conversation with a New Zealander who is also the former coach of the Dartmouth College women's rugby team. 'I was sceptical at first too,' he is explaining. 'I was like a lot of the guys here. I couldn't stand the idea of smart, attractive girls going out on the field to rough up their faces and bodies.' The coach seems delighted to have fallen on someone who can relate to his overseas experience and will appreciate his change of heart. 'Isn't it great,' he raves a bit drunkenly but with admirable intentions, 'that you and I can have an intelligent conversation about the game, and I can ask you things like do you use your outside shoulder on a tackle and how do you run your lines, without bringing sex into it?'
'Rugby mad' Ming Nagel's reminiscences of her time with the Marist Old Boys women's rugby team in Auckland, New Zealand, published in the American zine Girljock - slogan 'Fuck the well of loneliness, good-bye to all that. We're here to have fun'. The Marist women's team was unbeaten last year, with four of its players representing the national women's team.
Source Citation
"Jackdaw." Guardian [London, England] 31 July 1995
'Rugby mad' Ming Nagel's reminiscences of her time with the Marist Old Boys women's rugby team in Auckland, New Zealand, published in the American zine Girljock - slogan 'Fuck the well of loneliness, good-bye to all that. We're here to have fun'. The Marist women's team was unbeaten last year, with four of its players representing the national women's team.
Source Citation
"Jackdaw." Guardian [London, England] 31 July 1995
Sunday, 7 April 1991
World Cup: New Zealand v Canada
Paul Nelson
Paul Nelson reports on the first game in the women's rugby World Cup
THERE was no fanfare, no marching band and no crowd worthy of the name.
But none of the 100 or so spectators, a mixture of the curious, the commissioned, and the committed, who saw the glint in Debbie Chase's eyes as she led her team-mates in the haka at Cardiff will ever forget the moment which marked the start of the first women's World Cup.
The sight of 15 women performing the traditional Maori tribal dance, a ritual challenge which for centuries has remained the preserve of men, will live long in the memory. It was slick, done with conviction and it said in a more eloquent manner than any words could that the women's game has arrived. The New Zealand team were every bit as convincing over the next 80 minutes, as they saw off impressively a stubborn Canadian side.
Chase, a free spirit who lists her occupation as bass player and has credentials in half a dozen sports, including rugby league, scored two tries as a result of the sort of balanced running in the centre that brought back memories of her male Maori counterpart, Steve Pokere.
Outside her, Helen Mahon, a pacey wing, ran in a hat-trick of tries, two from the tactical kicking of Jacqui Apiata, the fly-half.
The impressive back division was beautifully set up by Anna Richards, a scrum-half from Auckland who is a natural all-round athlete with a useful service and a devastating swerve.
The early moments of the game were enough to convince even the most hardened sceptic that this was a legitimate form of rugby in its own right.
There was a bite to the tackle and a good deal of vigour up front. Several times the All Black forwards showed the same indiscriminate footwork in their rucking as their more famous counterparts, and a number of times the Canadians were left needing treatment. Although the fierceness of the physical exchanges surprised many unfamiliar with the game at the Glamorgan Wanderers ground, the players made light of it.
``I wouldn't say it was a dirty game,'' Ruth Hellerud-Brown, the Canadian captain, said. ``I've played in much worse. The most important thing was that there was no hair-pulling and stuff like that going on; we can take the boots.''
Hellerud-Brown's side stuck to their guns throughout, even though it was clear by half-time, when they trailed 16-0, that there was no way back.
Mahon had completed her hat-trick and Chase had scored the first of her tries, and had the New Zealanders had a decent place kicker they would have been even further out of sight. Neither Ross, their chunky fullback who came into the line with real punch, and on occasions a Campese hitch-kick, nor Chase had the power to succeed with any one of eight kicks at goal.
The lack of kicking ability, both from ground and the hand, is one of the glaring differences from the men's game. But, as many long-suffering supporters would suspect, it improves the game as a spectacle. Once the purist has stopped tut-tutting over the kicks to touch that fall short, he is impressed by the amount of running this produces once hoofing the ball into touch is no longer an option.
The New Zealanders look a good bet to make the final on the Cardiff ground a week today. Among the teams they are likely to meet are England, who finally wore down a determined Spanish defence to win 12-0 at St Helens, Swansea, with tries from Stennet, Williets and Burns; France, who trounced Japan 62-0; and the United States, who beat the Netherlands 7-0.
Even if the opening day's play had not been so compelling, the World Cup is already a significant triumph for its organizers and for the women's game. Despite a desperate lack of funds the tournament has no sponsor and the regrettable sniping of men who see the game's development as an intrusion into their territory, the tournament has brought together 12 teams from around the globe on shoestring.
For some, the sacrifices have been enormous. The team from the Soviet Union were still arriving in dribs and drabs yesterday, with no money, little food and supplies of champagne, caviar and vodka with which to barter for the basic necessities.
Copyright (C) The Sunday Times, 1991
Source Citation
"Different gender but don't call these All Blacks tender; Rugby Union." Sunday Times [London, England] 7 Apr. 1991.
Paul Nelson reports on the first game in the women's rugby World Cup
THERE was no fanfare, no marching band and no crowd worthy of the name.
But none of the 100 or so spectators, a mixture of the curious, the commissioned, and the committed, who saw the glint in Debbie Chase's eyes as she led her team-mates in the haka at Cardiff will ever forget the moment which marked the start of the first women's World Cup.
The sight of 15 women performing the traditional Maori tribal dance, a ritual challenge which for centuries has remained the preserve of men, will live long in the memory. It was slick, done with conviction and it said in a more eloquent manner than any words could that the women's game has arrived. The New Zealand team were every bit as convincing over the next 80 minutes, as they saw off impressively a stubborn Canadian side.
Chase, a free spirit who lists her occupation as bass player and has credentials in half a dozen sports, including rugby league, scored two tries as a result of the sort of balanced running in the centre that brought back memories of her male Maori counterpart, Steve Pokere.
Outside her, Helen Mahon, a pacey wing, ran in a hat-trick of tries, two from the tactical kicking of Jacqui Apiata, the fly-half.
The impressive back division was beautifully set up by Anna Richards, a scrum-half from Auckland who is a natural all-round athlete with a useful service and a devastating swerve.
The early moments of the game were enough to convince even the most hardened sceptic that this was a legitimate form of rugby in its own right.
There was a bite to the tackle and a good deal of vigour up front. Several times the All Black forwards showed the same indiscriminate footwork in their rucking as their more famous counterparts, and a number of times the Canadians were left needing treatment. Although the fierceness of the physical exchanges surprised many unfamiliar with the game at the Glamorgan Wanderers ground, the players made light of it.
``I wouldn't say it was a dirty game,'' Ruth Hellerud-Brown, the Canadian captain, said. ``I've played in much worse. The most important thing was that there was no hair-pulling and stuff like that going on; we can take the boots.''
Hellerud-Brown's side stuck to their guns throughout, even though it was clear by half-time, when they trailed 16-0, that there was no way back.
Mahon had completed her hat-trick and Chase had scored the first of her tries, and had the New Zealanders had a decent place kicker they would have been even further out of sight. Neither Ross, their chunky fullback who came into the line with real punch, and on occasions a Campese hitch-kick, nor Chase had the power to succeed with any one of eight kicks at goal.
The lack of kicking ability, both from ground and the hand, is one of the glaring differences from the men's game. But, as many long-suffering supporters would suspect, it improves the game as a spectacle. Once the purist has stopped tut-tutting over the kicks to touch that fall short, he is impressed by the amount of running this produces once hoofing the ball into touch is no longer an option.
The New Zealanders look a good bet to make the final on the Cardiff ground a week today. Among the teams they are likely to meet are England, who finally wore down a determined Spanish defence to win 12-0 at St Helens, Swansea, with tries from Stennet, Williets and Burns; France, who trounced Japan 62-0; and the United States, who beat the Netherlands 7-0.
Even if the opening day's play had not been so compelling, the World Cup is already a significant triumph for its organizers and for the women's game. Despite a desperate lack of funds the tournament has no sponsor and the regrettable sniping of men who see the game's development as an intrusion into their territory, the tournament has brought together 12 teams from around the globe on shoestring.
For some, the sacrifices have been enormous. The team from the Soviet Union were still arriving in dribs and drabs yesterday, with no money, little food and supplies of champagne, caviar and vodka with which to barter for the basic necessities.
Copyright (C) The Sunday Times, 1991
Source Citation
"Different gender but don't call these All Blacks tender; Rugby Union." Sunday Times [London, England] 7 Apr. 1991.
Saturday, 1 July 1989
Richmond's tour of New Zealand
Remarkable news from rugby union: a British team has returned from New Zealand with a record of nine games and nine victories. This, I am told, had never been accomplished previously by any team from any nation (the Fijians of 1939 left New Zealand unbeaten, but with one drawn game). The team was Richmond Women's Rugby Club, and after seven club games and two provincial games, their record was 258 points for and 41 against. They tell me that the compliment of the tour came from the president of the Rotorua club, who said: ``Richmond's women play rugby like the All Blacks in slow motion.''
Source Citation
"Diary." Times [London, England] 1 July 1989
Source Citation
"Diary." Times [London, England] 1 July 1989
Monday, 26 April 1982
Efforts are to be made to involve more women in rugby, particularly at schoolboy level
Cartoon. Shows three scenes of the possible repercussions of encouraging girls to play rugby and women to become rugby coaches. In the top right scene a woman coach is teaching boys to do ballet. In the lower left a man and a woman player discuss the meaning of a 'forward pass'. In the lower right a boy announces that he is in love with his rugby coach, while his mother assures his father that it is a female, not a male, coach.
Evening Post (New Zealand)
Evening Post (New Zealand)
Tuesday, 28 July 1970
1964: The Evening Post (New Zealand)
From National Library of New Zealand:
Hands up all those who noticed the small mistake we made with last week's feature cartoon - ah, so you all did - that's right, we had it upside down, didn't we? And now to contemplate what to do about N.Z. rugby - what's this? Women playing rugby! Might be just what our national game needs - so we'll appoint ourselves sole selector - (not that we think N.Z. needs our services) - it's just that we've always like contemplating women rugby players - (as long as they don't actually play the game)
Nevile Sidney Lodge
[In a series of small scenes the cartoonist who is wearing a hat which is part dunce's cap and part jester's hat, admits to an error in last week's cartoon which was upside down and then contemplates the notion of women playing rugby - Mr cartoonist is happy to see them strut in little shorts but not actually play.]
Hands up all those who noticed the small mistake we made with last week's feature cartoon - ah, so you all did - that's right, we had it upside down, didn't we? And now to contemplate what to do about N.Z. rugby - what's this? Women playing rugby! Might be just what our national game needs - so we'll appoint ourselves sole selector - (not that we think N.Z. needs our services) - it's just that we've always like contemplating women rugby players - (as long as they don't actually play the game)
Nevile Sidney Lodge
[In a series of small scenes the cartoonist who is wearing a hat which is part dunce's cap and part jester's hat, admits to an error in last week's cartoon which was upside down and then contemplates the notion of women playing rugby - Mr cartoonist is happy to see them strut in little shorts but not actually play.]
Thursday, 19 March 1970
1949: Having seen the English Women's Cricket Team in action...
Cartoon: Having seen the English Women's Cricket Team in action we've decided that the national game, too, could do with a dash of femininity to make it more attractive - well, attract[ive] to start with, anyway.
[Four scenes depicting women rugby players]
Published in New Zealand Free Lance, 30 Mar 1949
[Four scenes depicting women rugby players]
Published in New Zealand Free Lance, 30 Mar 1949
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