It's exactly what we wanted, Hunt said. Coming into it, we didn't know we needed that but I think, on reflection, it was fantastic for us. Australia really brought it, especially in that first half. We felt pressure we hadn't felt in the start of the tournament so far and it was really good for us to get that under our belt. Also to work out that rugby contest and come out with a scoreline like that is a testament to the girls.
Tense. Gripping. A proper Test match. Australia put England under the most pressure they have faced in a long time with a superb first half performance but the Red Roses pulled away in the second half to seal a quarter-final against Scotland and their 30th win in a row, which equalled their own world record. The scoreline was not a true reflection of what a battle this final Pool A match was with England not taking the lead until the 33rd minute.
So much has been said about the wing, with the former Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge saying she isn't human and the New Zealand star Ruby Tui describing her as out of this world. Woodman-Wickliffe broke New Zealand's all-time try-scoring record as the Black Ferns secured their quarter-final place with a big win. Woodman-Wickliffe surpassed Doug Howlett, who scored 49 tries in 63 games while the Black Ferns legend reached the 50-mark in 30 Tests.
