Red Roses defeat Black Ferns in WXV1 round 2 clash

New Zealand 31-49 England, Canada

England's Red Roses secured an impressive 49-31 victory over New Zealand's Black Ferns in their WXV1 Round 2 encounter held in Canada. Despite a strong start from the Black Ferns, England quickly turned the tables with a clinical display that saw them run in nine tries.

England's response to early deficit

New Zealand initially took the lead with a try from Kaipo Olsen-Baker in the 6th minute, but England responded fiercely with four tries before halftime. Abby Dow (10), Jess Breach (19), and full-back Ellie Kildunne (28, 40) all crossed the line to give England a commanding 22-12 lead at the break. The Black Ferns managed to stay within reach with a try from Ayesha Leti-I'iga (35), but England’s clinical finishing proved too much.

England seals the win with relentless attack

In the second half, England extended their advantage with Dow (45) and Breach (51) completing their respective braces, while scrum-half Natasha Hunt (49) also got on the scoreboard. New Zealand's Georgia Ponsonby (55) and Maia Roos (66) hit back with tries, but England maintained their dominance as Breach completed her hat-trick, and replacement Zoe Harrison added another try to bring the tally to nine for the Red Roses. Maama Vaipulu scored a late consolation try for New Zealand.

England and Canada set for decisive clash

The win keeps England undefeated in the WXV1 tournament, following their dominant 61-21 victory over the USA in Round 1. With this victory, the defending champions are set to face Canada in the final round on October 12, in what promises to be a thrilling showdown between the only two undefeated teams in the competition.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will look to bounce back after suffering two consecutive defeats, including a shock loss to Ireland in their opening game. The Black Ferns will face France in their last fixture as they aim to end the tournament on a high note.

Team line up:

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.

Reserves: 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.

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