England Sails to Victory Against World Champions New Zealand.

Rugby General

England Sails to Victory Against World Champions New Zealand.

England easily overcame world champions New Zealand at the newly renamed Allianz Stadium, boosting their status as favorites for next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil.

The match, the first since Twickenham's naming rights were sold to Allianz, drew a crowd of 41,523. England extended their unbeaten streak to 17 games since their last loss to the Black Ferns in the 2022 World Cup final.

Despite early pressure from the Black Ferns, England held strong and scored three first-half tries from captain Marlie Packer, Abby Dow, and Ellie Kildunne. 

Scrum-half Natasha Hunt added a fourth try, while winger Katelyn Vaha'akolo scored twice for the visitors.

This win marks a successful start to the warm-up Tests for John Mitchell's team, who will defend their WXV1 title in Canada later this month after their previous victory against France.