ENGLAND were unable to end New Zealand's stranglehold on the Women's Rugby World Cup as the Black Ferns were crowned world champions for a fourth successive tournament.

In front of a record breaking crowd of over 13,000 people at the Twickenham Stoop, England drew level in the final quarter before Kelly Brazier won it for the visitors with a late penalty.

Immediately the Black Ferns made England defend furiously but try-saving tackles by Danielle Waterman, a former school sports co-ordinator at Ribston High School, and Margaret Alphonsi stopped an early score,

New Zealand had their first opportunity at the posts within eight minutes but Brazier missed the target, as did Emma Jensen six minutes later.

England were unable to get into their stride and were constantly on the defensive, though they had their first real chance following the sin-binning of fly half Anna Richards.

New Zealand lost a second player, Mel Bosman, to the bin but moments later England gave away a penalty. New Zealand opted not to kick for goal and their gamble paid off.

With Richards returning to the field, the visitors took clean line-out ball and spun it wide, with wing Carla Hohepa finding a gap to touchdown. Brazier added the conversion to hand her side a 7-0 lead the break.

But England's hopes were far from fading and McLean added England's first points with a 43rd minute penalty. Brazier could have matched McLean's efforts minutes later but her kick went astray, leaving England just 7-3 adrift.

Brazier stroked over a 55th minute penalty but with New Zealand losing captain Melissa Ruscoe to the bin England were now in control.

A well worked England line-out and drive saw scrum half Amy Turner go close, and from a series of attacking scrums Turner popped the ball out to the right wing for Charlotte Barras to pounce and score. With McLean adding the conversion England drew level.

England rolled on their experienced replacements, including King's Stanley's Amber Penrith, for some fresh legs but they were unable to make a further dent on the score board.

In fact it was New Zealand who took advantage, stroking over a crucial 65th minute penalty and putting the victory out of reach for the home side.