Victory is what dreams are made of – Aldcroft

ZOE Aldcroft insisted that her England team had taken their place among the greats after winning the Women's Rugby World Cup by dispatching Canada 33-13.

- DUNCAN BECH

A dismal record of just one win in six successive final appearances weighed heavily on the Red Roses, but at Allianz Stadium they rose to the occasion magnificently in front of a record crowd for a women's game of 81,885. It was a record-extending 33rd successive victory and, crucially, England saved their best display of the tournament for when it mattered most.

When asked if the Red Roses are the greatest team in women's rugby, captain Aldcroft said: "It definitely feels like that. We have had 33 wins in a row and we have finally put the cherry on top of the cake by winning the World Cup.

"It feels great. Honestly, it feels unbelievable. It is literally what dreams are made of. We have so much belief in this group, we have built something so special over the last three years and this final was about sticking to our processes and believing in ourselves.