New Zealand have claimed their fourth successive Women's Rugby World Cup title, edging England in a tense but thrilling encounter 13-10 at the Twickenham Stoop in front of a crowd of 13,253.

With the scores level at 10-10, New Zealand forced a penalty and Kelly Brazier kept her nerve to kick what turned out to be the winning penalty, despite England pressure in the closing minutes.

"It doesn't quite feel real, but it's an unbelievable feeling," admitted New Zealand captain Melissa Ruscoe.

Earlier in the day, Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Australia beat France 22-8 at The Stoop to secure their best ever finish of third place.

USA claimed fifth place with an entertaining but slender 23-20 victory over their North American rivals Canada at Surrey Sports Park. Tries from captain Ashley English, Lynelle Kugler and Vanesha McGee were enough to match their fifth place finish of four years ago.

Ireland claimed seventh place with an emphatic 32-8 victory over arch-rivals Scotland. Eliza Downey and Niamh Briggs both crossed for braces with Orla Brennan also touching down to ensure Ireland improved on their eighth place finish at the last World Cup.

Wales also finished their campaign on a high as they avenged their pool stages defeat to South Africa with a 29-17 victory in the ninth place play-off.

Kazakhstan recorded their first win of the tournament with a 12-8 victory over Sweden, which means that the Asian champions match their 11th place finish last time.