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| England: (17) 43 |
| Tries: Ward 2, Kildunne, Davies, Aitchison, Dow, Harrison Cons: Harrison 4 |
| New Zealand: (0) 12 |
| Tries: Bremner, Fluhler Cons: Cocksedge |
England scored seven tries to claim a record victory against world champions New Zealand and retain their world number one ranking.
Second row Abbie Ward scored twice and full-back Ellie Kildunne once to give England a 17-0 half-time lead in front of a capacity crowd in Exeter.
The Black Ferns’ Alana Bremner crossed before Lark Davies, Holly Aitchison and Abby Dow scored to reaffirm dominance.
Player of the match Zoe Harrison scored the seventh in the game’s last attack.
It was England’s first win against the Black Ferns since 2017 and surpassed their previous record winning margin of 14 set in 2011.
England assert dominance after early barrage
New Zealand came to Sandy Park as a relatively unknown entity given they had not played for two years because of the coronavirus pandemic.
But few would have predicted such a dominant victory for the Red Roses, with even Harrison saying England had exceeded their own expectations.
The hosts have had plenty of chances to prove themselves in the northern hemisphere over the past few years, claiming a third Six Nations title in a row in April to show they can handle nearest European rivals France.
But New Zealand were expected to bring another level to Exeter – and in the early stages, they did.
England had to deal with an attacking barrage for the first 10 minutes before Ward’s first try against the run of play.
Swift hands from Kildunne released Dow down the left wing and another impressive offload to lock Ward got England on the board.
England played with increasing confidence after Ward’s second try and Kildunne’s scything run away from New Zealand’s defenders gave them a comfortable 17-0 lead at half-time.
More to follow.
Line-ups
England: Kildunne; Thompson, Aitchison, Tuima, Dow; Harrison, MacDonald; Botterman, Davies, Bern, P Cleall, Ward, Aldcroft, Packer, Hunter (capt).
Replacements: Cokayne, Cornborough, Muir, Millar-Mills, Matthews, Infante, Rowland, McKenna
New Zealand: Holmes; Wickliffe, Fluhler, Alley, Leti-l’iga; Demant, Cocksedge; Love, Ngata-Aerengamate, Nelson, Blackwell, Wills, Bremner, Elder (capt), Faleafaga.
Replacements: Houpapa-Barrett, Murray, Itunu, Mikaele-Tu’u, Simon, Bayler, Maliepo, Brooker.
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