World champion England secured a thrilling 26-19 victory over archrival New Zealand in WXV women's rugby at Twickenham on Saturday. The win extends England's 40-match unbeaten run, a testament to the team's impressive form. England had previously drawn with Canada 26-26 last weekend, and it seemed they might be heading for another draw against the No 2-ranked Black Ferns. However, the Black Ferns opted to go for the win instead of kicking the ball out and accepting a draw.
The match was a classic contest, with New Zealand dominating possession and territory. They led 12-7 at halftime, but failed to capitalize on their chances. Three knock-ons and two ruck turnovers hindered the Black Ferns' progress in the Red Roses' 22. England's No 8 Maddie Feaunati and captain Megan Jones were key players, while New Zealand's Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Ayesha Leti-I’iga made significant contributions with their barrelling runs and pace.
England got an early let-off when Leti-I’iga's try was disallowed due to her failure to release the ball in a tackle. The Red Roses quickly capitalized on the reprieve, with fullback Ellie Kildunne scoring the first try after brushing off New Zealand's Braxton Sorensen-McGee and giving winger Claudia Moloney-MacDonald her fourth try this month. However, New Zealand soon equalized when Amy du Plessis chased a clearance back to halfway, turned, and kicked into empty space to score.
New Zealand took the lead after flyhalf Hannah King's dummy and break sent over Leti-I’iga. However, England regained the lead at 14-12 after halftime when Jess Breach drew three defenders to let Kildunne slip away untouched around the corner. The Red Roses further solidified their lead while Ferns prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu was in the sin-bin for head contact that forced off Marlie Packer.
England bulldozed New Zealand's seven-women scrum for Breach to score her 58th try. Zoe Harrison added a 43-metre penalty kick to win the game in the 80th minute, but it fell well short. The Black Ferns drew level with 10 minutes to go when winger Mererangi Paul scored from Du Plessis's floated pass. Harrison then made a crucial intervention, intercepting Du Plessis just 15 metres out from the New Zealand tryline.
The crowd of 59,871 erupted in joy and relief as Harrison scored the winning try. She also added the conversion, securing a 26-19 win for England. The victory was a testament to the Red Roses' resilience and ability to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes. New Zealand's coach will likely rue the team's failure to finish their chances and secure a win.
The win cements England's position as a top team in women's rugby, while New Zealand will look to regroup and improve their performance. The match showcased the intensity and competitiveness of WXV women's rugby, with both teams displaying impressive skill and determination. The result will likely have significant implications for the teams' rankings and future matches.
Key points
- England extends 40-match unbeaten run with 26-19 win over New Zealand
- Zoe Harrison scores winning try and conversion in 80th minute
- New Zealand dominates possession and territory but fails to capitalize on chances
