England dominate to seal World Cup crown at home

There has been plenty of gloom for England to endure even as they have sent women's rugby up into the stratosphere but, at last, the sun shines on a Red Roses side in full bloom.

- By HARRY LATHAM-COYLE AT ALLIANZ STADIUM, TWICKENHAM

The most successful international side in Test history now have the ultimate prize to crown their dominance - 32 matches unbeaten turned into a 33rd that mattered more than the rest put together. With a command, control and quality befitting champions, the hosts banished the ghosts of two final defeats to triumph again in front of a record crowd.

Seldom did it feel like there was to be more World Cup woe for John Mitchell's history makers. Not here, not now, not on this, of all days. From the moment that Zoe Aldcroft had marched through the Rose and Crown Gates and into Allianz Stadium past the Twickenham thousands, England had the focus and authority of a team awaiting coronation. Could they handle the weight of expectation? Could they ever – Canada, so excellent throughout this World Cup, were comprehensively outplayed by an England side peaking at the right time. Mitchell had vowed to take this team from good to great and on the biggest stage in the sport's history, they delivered.

What a day this was for those Red Roses, from the magical Ellie Kildunne through to peerless prop Hannah Botterman, and many more besides. What a day, too, for women's rugby, sold-out stands and a festival feel providing just the sort of occasion that could catalyse the sport. If this proved one game too far for the runners-up, how wonderful it has been to see Canada blossom at this tournament; let us hope they, and others, continue to invest to provide more compelling competition.