In a dramatic climax at Allianz Stadium, England's Red Roses clinched a 26-19 win over the New Zealand Black Ferns thanks to a last‑minute try and conversion by fly‑half Zoe Harrison. The match, attended by almost 60,000 fans, lived up to its billing as a showdown between the world’s two premier women’s rugby nations, with the lead swapping three times before England sealed the outcome with a fourth decisive score. The first half saw the Black Ferns take an early edge, responding to Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald’s opening try for England with points from centre Amy Du Plessis and winger Ayesha Leti‑I'iga. By the break England trailed 12-7.
The momentum shifted in the second half when Ellie Kildunne broke through the New Zealand defence, scoring a powerful try that restored England’s lead. A subsequent yellow card for Black Ferns prop Veisinia Mahutariki‑Fakalelu, given for a high tackle on Marlie Packer, gave England a numerical advantage.
Jess Breach capitalised, diving over in the corner to push the score to 19-12. New Zealand refused to surrender, however. Mererangi Paul crossed for a try with ten minutes remaining, leveling the match at 19-19 and setting up a nail‑biting finish. England’s chance to clinch the game seemed to slip away when Harrison’s 40‑metre penalty fell short of the posts.
Instead of opting for a safe touch‑line kick that would likely have resulted in a draw, the Black Ferns chose to run the ball from their own line, hoping for a last‑gasp score. In a dramatic turn, Du Plessis attempted a pass that was intercepted by Harrison inside the New Zealand 22. She sprinted the length of the field, grounded the ball for a try, and then added the conversion, delivering a final 26-19 triumph.
The victory extended England’s unbeaten run to 41 matches, following a thrilling 26‑26 draw with Canada a week earlier. That previous draw had ended a 39‑game winning streak, reminding the Red Roses that even the most dominant sides can be tested. New Zealand entered the match on the back of a perfect record, having won all seven of their test matches in 2024 and still bearing the sting of their 2022 World Cup final loss to England. From the opening whistle, the visitors displayed greater intent.
Winger Leti‑I'iga appeared to give New Zealand an early lead within the first ten minutes, but a video review ruled her try out for a double‑movement. England responded when Moloney‑MacDonald finished a pass from Kildunne for the opening try, signalling that the hosts were not to be dismissed.
The Black Ferns answered swiftly: Du Plessis chased down a loose kick from Lucy Packer, turned it into a solo try, and later Leti‑I'iga exploited a clever inside pass from fly‑half Hannah King to score just after the half‑hour mark. The first half concluded with England trailing 12‑7, but the Red Roses showed resilience. After the break, Kildunne’s trademark speed produced a try that put England ahead. The subsequent yellow card for Mahutariki‑Fakalelu reduced New Zealand to 14 players, allowing Breach to add a third English try in the corner and stretch the lead to 19‑12.
When New Zealand returned to full strength, they pressed hard and earned a third try through Paul, forcing a 19‑19 deadlock. Both sides then experienced a period of tension, each defending fiercely as the clock wound down. Harrison’s missed penalty seemed to hand the game to the visitors, yet the Black Ferns elected to keep the ball in play rather than settle for a draw. Their gamble backfired when Harrison intercepted Du Plessis’s pass, sprinted the length of the field, and scored the decisive try.
The crowd erupted as her teammates swarmed her, celebrating a moment that epitomised England’s relentless pressure and tactical discipline. Captain Megan Jones reflected on the achievement, stating, “Playing the Black Ferns is an honour; they challenged us from the first whistle and we answered that challenge. This was a true test match against one of the best teams, and we proved our character and defensive strength.” She praised the defensive unit, calling it her favourite aspect of the game, and highlighted the squad’s character throughout the encounter. Harrison, when asked about her winning try, explained, “I told her to create her own luck, and that’s what happened.
Our pressure forced an error, and we capitalised. It was a spectacular way to finish.” Head coach John Mitchell described the contest as “topsy‑turvy,” commending New Zealand for their intensity while noting that England’s defence held firm when it mattered most. New Zealand captain Georgia Ponsonby, despite being on the bench at the final whistle, expressed pride in her side’s performance, describing the match as “the Test match of our dreams” and acknowledging the narrow margins that decided the outcome. Black Ferns coach Wendy Hansen spoke candidly about the experience, saying, “I feel immense pride.
We have an amazing group, and this match highlighted where we excel and where we need to improve. It’s an exciting phase for us, and we’ll stay humble while chasing greatness.” Looking ahead, the WXV Global Series continues next month with its North American leg.
England will face Canada twice before a final test against the United States, while New Zealand will regroup and aim to bounce back in upcoming fixtures. The match at Twickenham will be remembered not only for its dramatic finish but also for the high‑level rugby displayed by two of the sport’s most storied teams, underscoring the growing excitement and competitiveness of women’s international rugby.