Asked to answer a novel question after a first failure to win in 39 matches, the Red Roses successfully started the streak again – but only at the very, very last. For such a long time in this rip-roaring contest it seemed as if New Zealand would go one better than Canada and deal England a first defeat in nearly four years – though in the end it was their desire to chase victory that proved their undoing.
With the scores level and the clock dead, the Black Ferns threw the ball about in their own 22 with reckless abandon and watched agonisingly as it landed in English hands. Credit to Zoe Harrison, a welcoming recipient and winning try-scorer mere moments having left a penalty from long range some way short of the uprights. It was, all told, the simplest of scores, Amy du Plessis the most unfortunate of visitors as she inadvertently gifted England the most hard-fought of victories.
