Rugby: Black Ferns draw final test

Justine Lavea of New Zealand attempts to break clear of Alice Richardson of England. Photo / Getty Images

England 8
New Zealand 8

The Black Ferns saved some face, after drawing the third and final rugby test with England 8-8 in Esher this morning.

England had already won the series after a 10-0 victory at Twickenham last weekend and a 21-7 win at Esher on Wednesday morning and were keen to record an unprecedented 3-0 series whitewash. The Black Ferns, however, aren't used to losing considering they had lost only three games in 21 years before the series and should have won this morning's match.

The world champion New Zealanders led for most of the game after Renee Wickliffe scored against the run of play. Fullback Hazel Tubic put her side under pressure when she was sinbinned for a foot trip on England's Emily Scarrat but they continued to take the initiative and led 8-3 thanks to a Kelly Brazier penalty.

England hit back through England substitute Natasha Hunt, who levelled the score with a 55th-minute try.

New Zealand had their chances to win the match but poor handling and crucial errors let them down and England held on for the draw. Grant Hansen's side were vastly improved on defence, showing the benefit of games together after a long international hiatus, but were beaten at the breakdown.

"If I had been offered two wins and a draw against the world champions 10 days ago I would have happily taken that result, so even though today's performance wasn't our best, I am happy," England coach Gary Street told reporters afterwards.

"I think maybe winning the series 2-0 on Tuesday may have taken the edge off us today but the players showed real resilience to level the match after going behind in the first half. We have learned so much about ourselves since the world cup final 15 months ago but really this is just the starting point of where this England team can go on from here."

England 8 (Natasha Hunt try; Katy McLean pen) New Zealand 8 (Renee Wickliffe try; Kelly Brazier pen). HT: 3-8.