The Black Ferns have suffered a heartbreaking 26-19 loss to the World Champion Red Roses side at Twickenham this morning in the WXV clash.<\/p>\n
In front of a huge crowd of more than 50,000, New Zealand led 12-7 led at halftime before England stepped up a gear in the second half.<\/p>\n
England regained the lead when Ellie Kildunne burst clear, and Jess Breach stretched their lead to 19-12 as they took advantage of a yellow card for Black Ferns prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu for a high tackle on Marlie Packer.<\/p>\n
Mererangi Paul crossed the line next as New Zealand rallied back to 19-all with 10 minutes remaining.<\/p>\n
But in the dying stages, England’s Zoe Harrison intercepted a pass from Amy Du Plessis as New Zealand chose to run the ball from their own line in a final attempt to snatch victory.<\/p>\n
Harrison pounced on the opportunity, crossing the line to score, before being mobbed by her England teammates.<\/p>\n
The defeat was Whitney Hansen’s first loss in charge of the Black Ferns.<\/p>\n
“What an amazing effort out there today and after a short time of this new era of what we’re putting together we showcased some amazing moments of rugby, Hansen told SkySport.<\/p>\n
“It’s tough always when we don’t capitalise on those moments that are there. There were a few we needed to finish that we didn’t, but incredibly proud of our courage.<\/p>\n
“Particularly of Amy Du Plessis, we didn’t want to go down as a draw, we knew we were going to fight to the death and I love that she threw that pass.<\/p>\n
Black Ferns captain Georgia Ponsonby said the team left everything out on the field before ultimately succumbing to defeat with England scoring four tries to New Zealand’s three.<\/p>\n
“It was a hell of a match, it was everything we hoped for and more,” she said.<\/p>\n