Black Ferns retain Rugby World Cup title after edging England 34-31

The Black Ferns have retained their Women's Rugby World Cup title after a thriller 34-31 victory over England in the final.

Trailing by two points with nine minutes to play, midfielder Stacey Fluhler produced some individual magic, pouncing on a grubber and providing an incredible offload to winger Aeyesha Leti-I'iga for the winning try in a scintillating match that delivered on the occasion.

Ranked No.1 and riding a 30-game winning streak, the English side had dominated the forward exchanges through the contest and had one last chance to steal victory with a series of attacking line-outs in the final seconds.

But when they needed it most, New Zealand stole a crucial line-out throw after the final siren and cleared to touch, as the celebrations began.

The win is the Black Ferns's sixth ever Women's Rugby World Cup title.