Black Ferns' long unbeaten run at end

By JENNI RUTHERFORD

England 22 New Zealand 17

The Black Ferns' decade-long winning run was ended by a strong England side at North Harbour Stadium when they lost the second test after winning the first.

The New Zealanders, with only 10 days' preparation behind them and limited club rugby, toughed it out against an internationally hardened England side.

An injection of $1 million and a sound build-up against Australia and Northern Hemisphere teams gave England a decided advantage.

With her team trailing 15-17 with five minutes left to play on Saturday, England's Emily Feltham spoiled New Zealand's record with a 50m runaway try to seal victory.

Communication problems, which New Zealand coach Darryl Suasua targeted in the build-up to the test, continued to plague the side, with frequent lineout errors and missed calls.

Both teams scored three tries, but it was New Zealand's poor goalkicking that proved the difference, with Tammi Wilson missing out on a possible 13 points.

Territorial and points-scoring kicking by England first five-eighths Shelley Rae was a clear factor in their victory. When New Zealand did connect they produced some skilful and dynamic play. Wilson's try after seven minutes was a leaf out of the Christian Cullen manual of classic tries.

The fullback's timing was spot-on as she took a delayed pass from first five-eighths Anna Richards, creating space for Wilson to charge to the line at pace. England replied within minutes, sucking in the defence to give Nicola Crawford the opportunity to score.

New Zealand's second try came from lightning-quick passing through the backline, with wing Vanessa Cootes finishing off for the Black Ferns to lead 12-5.

A penalty to the English narrowed the gap to 8-12 at the break.

The visitors were unrelenting in the second half, hitting the front when Rae dotted down and converted.

New Zealand centre Annaleah Rush responded with a five-pointer under intense pressure, but Feltham's try secured the match for England.

It was 10 years ago that the New Zealand side last tasted defeat, with Richards one of the only members of this side to have sampled the bitter flavour when they lost to the United States 0-7 in the 1991 World Cup final.

The Black Ferns' inspirational, 27-match victory count is over and having played their last international match ahead of defending their World Cup title next May, avenging the loss will be a motivation when they arrive in Spain in 11 months.