TWICKENHAM, London -- England swept past world champions New Zealand with a 24-12 win at Allianz Stadium on Saturday to record their second straight win over the Black Ferns.
It was a statement win for England ahead of the upcoming WXV 1 tournament in Canada and, more importantly, next year's World Cup on home soil.
Both sides showed glimpses of their free-flowing, attacking best in the cagey opening exchanges, but decision-making and errors stopped either team from gaining real momentum. That was until England showed their strength at the breakdown, winning the ball back inside New Zealand's 22 before driving towards the line with a fierce rolling maul for the opening try, scored by skipper Marlie Packer on the 20-minute mark.
New Zealand will lament unforced errors that meant they couldn't execute their most clear-cut chances early on. England were guilty of their own fumbles, which coach John Mitchell will seek to address ahead of WXV 1, but they quickly went on to dominate with considerable scoreboard pressure.
Winger Abby Dow, who had a sensational afternoon, stormed down the right touchline after 30 minutes, leaving New Zealand defenders in her dust as the home side scored their second try.
While New Zealand would have been itching for half-time, England grew into the contest as the minutes ticked by. The crowd got their wish as Ellie Kildunne broke through the line, stretched out an arm and planted the ball under the posts for England's third of the match as they took a 17-0 lead into the break.
They picked up exactly where they left off after the break as the Black Ferns coughed up another error in the opening play of the half and England pounced through scrum-half Natasha Hunt, who crossed the white line just two minutes after the restart, before fly-half Holly Aitchison converted to extend the lead to 24-0.
The visitors got their first points of the afternoon in the 53rd minute as Katelyn Vaha'akolo found space to score on the left wing, and the 24-year-old winger added a second almost 10 minutes later, which was converted by Renee Holmes to cut England's lead to 12 points.
However, it was a day when the hosts looked unplayable at times, and although they'll be striving for better with New Zealand likely to improve in the coming weeks, there is rightfully plenty of optimism around the Red Roses. The two sides will meet again in week two of WXV 1 on Sunday Oct. 6 in Langley, Canada.
Analysis: England blend style with substance
It was a near perfect day for England both on and off the pitch, with a crowd of 41,523 making their voices heard at Twickenham.
England's attacking weapons -- namely Dow, Kildunne and Jess Breach -- were able to unleash off the back of a dominant display from the forwards. It was another big tick for Mitchell's side who are developing an exciting and dynamic style of play.
The opening try showed they can grind their way to points, while the second proved they have the razzle dazzle to match.
Make no mistake, New Zealand will come back stronger and will be frustrated as they leave London, but the blueprint is there for England with the World Cup fast approaching.