England vs New Zealand LIVE: Final score, result and latest reaction as Red Roses run riot
Simon Middleton’s side overpowered the Black Ferns in a record-breaking victory to lay down a marker ahead of next week’s Test as the teams run it back
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Your support makes all the difference.England ran riot to clinch a record victory over New Zealand in the first of two colossal Test matches between the sides.
Simon Harrison’s outfit thrived behind Zoe Harrison’s excellent disply as the No 1 ranked side in the world outclassed the world champions.
Tries from Abbie Ward (2), Ellie Kildunne, Lark Davies, Holly Aitchison, Abbie Dow and Harrison added to the Black Ferns’ misery.
Aitchison was filling in for the injured Emily Scarratt, making an impressive debut after starring at the Olympics in sevens.
“We’ve got them next week as well. We can’t get complacent. We need to look what we can do better for next week,” Harrison told BBC Sport.
“Today we were really looking at ourselves. Even in the Six Nations we’ve been looking towards the World Cup.”
While Emily Scarratt insists the victory will make next week’s contest even more intriguing: “Unbelievable. You could see that England really wanted to come out here and make a point. The Black Ferns were undercooked, it’s their first game back in a long time. It’s going to be a cracker next week.”
England 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes
Or not! Lark Davies’ throw to the tail isn’t quite claimed and New Zealand clear brilliantly through Kendra Cocksedge’s left boot, with Lydia Thompson looking rather like an exasperated poultry farmer trying to get her hens back into their run as she follows the ball into touch. England lineout.
Out into midfield, and England knock-on. The Black Ferns will set a scrum just inside the England half.
England 0-0 New Zealand, 2 minutes
An early statement from England as they drive New Zealand back some ten metres in the maul, well set-up and formed with plenty of mass and muscle. They are eventually stopped five metres out, and after a couple of close in carries off the sharp pass of Claudia MacDonald, New Zealand infringe in front of their posts. Sarah Hunter says....
For the corner! Zoe Harrison gives her forwards another chance to drive.
England 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute
It’s a good start from the cultured Harrison, with England able to compete in the air but just unable to win the ball back fully. The crowd roars as England deliver their first strong shot as New Zealand explore around the fringes, and a powerful counter-ruck wins them the ball. New Zealand are then offside after knock-on - England kick into the 22.
England to kick-off
Zoe Harrison will be the first to have the ball in her hands on a crisp, sunny autumn day under blue skies flecked with grey. She will kick off to the Black Ferns. Here. We. Go!
England face the Haka
Stacey Fluhler wanders forward and places a jersey down in front of the New Zealanders as they assemble for the haka, led by Renee Wickliffe and Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate. Together they march forward, laying the challenge down to the Red Roses, who stand locked in unison, steely faced. Time for action.
Anthem Time
Such is the length of time since New Zealand Women played a Test that sections of the crowd forget the English verse of their anthem exists, prematurely applauding the soprano’s first call of Aotearoa. She holds her nerve very well in a fine rendition.
The crowd are better timed as they join England’s operatic signing of God Save The Queen. It is very close to full at Sandy Park, which is very, very pleasing.
Out come the players
Great blasts of flames welcome the two sets of players out, England looking very sharp in matching white jackets. The two teams join with arms on shoulders as a rugby against racism message is met with warm applause from a close to capacity crowd.
We take a moment’s silence to remember the life of New Zealand Maori and Super Rugby star Sean Wainui, who sadly passed away earlier this month.
Ready for anthems
The players have disappeared back into the depths of Sandy Park, with two broad flags and a smattering of local young rugby players ready to welcome them back on to a pristine surface. The sun is very, very much out, pleasingly.
Set piece crucial
Both sides have talked up the importance of the set piece today. England have been a wobbly at the scrum, particularly, against France recently, which is partly the reasoning for starting the extra weight that Poppy Cleall will bring. Having Hannah Botterman and Sarah Bern back in combination for the first time in a long time - they are England’s best propping pair and key parts of this Red Roses side.
Red Roses team
Here is the confirmed England team after the adjustment in the midfield - disappointing news for Amber Reed, who missed the first half of this year with a serious injury, but a good chance for Lagi Tuima. Her big boot will be useful on a day when tactical kicking could be key.
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