England demolish New Zealand as World Cup hopes grow

Former Welwyn juniors Helena Rowland and Zoe Harrison were among the points as the Red Roses won 49-31 in their second WXV 1 match at the Langley Event Centre in Canada.

It was a ruthless display as England confirmed their number one world ranking ahead of next year's home tournament, which begins in Sunderland on August 22.

But it was the Black Ferns, who had suffered a shock 29-27 reverse to Ireland in their opening game, who made the brighter start, Kaipo Olsen-Baker driving over.

Abby Dow responded before first tries for Jess Breach and Ellie Kildunne gave them a 17-7 lead.

New Zealand hit back again when the ball was recycled out to wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga only for Kildunne to squeeze over in the corner and make it 22-12 at half-time.

England, who had begun the defence of their WXV 1 title with a 61-21 victory over USA, started the second period perfectly, Klidunne feeding Dow to run in her second try on 44 minutes.

And when Natasha Hunt charged down a kick to cross for a sixth try, the advantage moved out to 34-12.

Breach added England’s seventh following a flowing move from a line-out on the left before New Zealand rallied again heading into the final 20 minutes, hooker Georgia Ponsonby driving over down the right, with Hannah King adding the extras.

Olsen-Baker’s powerful run found Maia Roos to score another for New Zealand as the deficit was cut to 39-24.

Breach, though, promptly collected a pass from Holly Aitchison to sprint into the corner for her hat-trick and relieve the growing anxiety.

Replacement Harrison then added another try with three minutes left after Kildunne had been held up on the line before Maama Vaipulu scored a late consolation for the beleaguered Black Ferns.

The victory means England, who also beat New Zealand at Twickenham in September, have extended their impressive winning run to 19 straight matches.

They will go on to face Canada in a title decider at BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, on Saturday.