In a pulsating climax to the WXV women’s rugby showdown at Twickenham, England edged past New Zealand 26‑19 thanks to a breathtaking last‑minute intercept try by Zoe Harrison. The Red Roses, who have not lost a match in 40 outings, held off a fierce Black Ferns side that had been pressing for a draw deep into the 81st minute.
How the game unfolded
New Zealand entered the second half with a narrow 12‑7 lead, having dominated possession and territory in the opening 40 minutes. The Black Ferns’ power‑play, led by No 8 Kaipo Olsen‑Baker returning after a five‑week injury layoff, and winger Ayesha Leti‑I’iga, fresh from a three‑week break, kept the English defence under constant pressure.
England’s early momentum came when full‑back Ellie Kildunne shrugged off a challenge from Braxton Sorensen‑McGee and set up Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald for her fourth try of the month. A subsequent try by Leti‑I’iga was disallowed because she failed to release the ball in a tackle, giving England an early reprieve.
After halftime, the Red Roses reclaimed the lead at 14‑12 when wing Jess Breach drew multiple defenders, allowing Kildunne to sprint around the corner and score. The moment was amplified when prop Veisinia Mahutariki‑Fakalelu was sin‑binned for head contact, forcing Marlie Packer off and giving England a numerical advantage.
The decisive intercept
With the score tied at 19‑19 and the clock ticking past the 80‑minute mark, New Zealand opted to attack rather than settle for a draw. From their 22‑meter line, fly‑half Amy du Plessis launched a high ball that seemed destined for a straightforward New Zealand try. Instead, Zoe Harrison read the play perfectly, stepped into the line and snatched the ball just 15 metres from the try line.
The stadium, packed with 59,871 fans, erupted as Harrison sprinted to the corner and grounded the ball, sealing a 26‑19 win. She then added the conversion, completing a personal scoring spree that also included a 43‑metre penalty earlier in the half.
In the aftermath, New Zealand’s winger Mererangi Paul had briefly leveled the scores with a try from a floated pass by du Plessis, but the intercept nullified any chance of a draw.
Key performances and statistics
England’s forward pack, led by No 8 Maddie Feaunati and captain Megan Jones, provided a solid platform that allowed the backline to exploit gaps. Jess Breach, who recorded her 58th career try, was instrumental in creating space for Kildunne’s second‑half score.
For the Black Ferns, despite a higher possession count and more territorial advantage, three knock‑ons and two ruck turnovers hampered their ability to convert pressure into points. Their resilience was evident, however, as they continued to attack until the final whistle.
Both teams displayed the growing depth of women’s rugby in the Southern Hemisphere and Europe, underscoring why the WXV competition has become a showcase for elite talent.
What the win means for England
The victory not only extends England’s unbeaten run but also secures their top‑spot in the WXV rankings ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Coach Saracens’ veteran praised the squad’s composure under pressure, noting that the ability to finish games in the dying seconds is a hallmark of championship teams.
Analysts point to the win as a testament to England’s strategic evolution, blending physical forward play with incisive backline moves. The match also highlighted the importance of discipline; New Zealand’s decision to keep the ball in play rather than kick for touch ultimately cost them a historic draw.
Looking ahead
Both sides now turn their focus to the next round of the WXV series, where England will host South Africa and New Zealand will travel to the United States. Fans can expect the rivalry to intensify, especially after a game that delivered drama right to the final whistle.
For a deeper analysis of Harrison’s match‑winning intercept, see the TimesLive recap for more details on the final moments.
