WXV – New Zealand v England

New Zealand (12) 31

Tries: Olsen-Baker, Leti-l’iga, Ponsonby, Roos, Vaipulu Cons: Holmes, King 2

England (22) 49

Tries: Dow 2, Breach 3, Kildunne 2, Hunt, Harrison Cons: Rowland 2

England produced a clinical attacking display in a nine-try win over New Zealand to move closer to retaining their WXV1 title in Canada.

Wing Jess Breach scored a hat-trick, with her back three team-mates Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne grabbing two each in British Columbia.

The victory also extends John Mitchell’s side’s winning run to 19 games, and records a third straight victory over the world champions in less than a year before next year’s home World Cup.

The Black Ferns scored first through number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker, but could not contain England’s ruthless attack.

Following a try each from the Red Roses’ clinical back three, wing Ayesha Leti-l’iga crossed in response.

Scrum-half Natasha Hunt scored after a charge down early in the second half, while tries by Georgia Ponsonby, Maia Roos and Maama Vaipulu managed to add some respectability to the scoreline for New Zealand.

England’s last defeat came against New Zealand in a dramatic World Cup final in 2022, a match before which they had gone unbeaten for a record 30 Tests.

Mitchell’s side face undefeated hosts Canada next Sunday in a decider for the WXV1 title.

Following a shock defeat against Ireland last weekend, it is New Zealand’s third straight loss, with a difficult game against France to come on Saturday.

More to follow.

New Zealand: Holmes; Leti-I’iga, Brunt, Demant (co-captain), Vahaakolo; King, Joseph; Viliko, Ponsonby, Kalounivale, Bremner, Roos, Mikaele-Tu’u, Tukuafu (co-captain), Olsen-Baker.

Replacements: Lolohea, Henwood, Rule, Vaipulu, Sae, Hohaia, Paul, Tui.

England: Kildunne; Dow, Rowland, Heard, Breach; Aitchison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Aldcroft, Ward, Talling, M Packer, Matthews.

Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Carson, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L Packer, Harrison, Scarratt.

Referee: Aurelie Groizeleau (Fra)