Black Ferns maintain record in close encounter

9:30 pm

ROTORUA - The world champion Black Ferns stretched their unbeaten record to 24 matches with a closer-than-expected 15-10 victory over Six Nations champions England in the women's rugby match in Rotorua tonight.

Although they ran in three tries to one, Black Ferns coach Darryl Suasua was not entirely happy with his side's performance and said there was plenty to work on before next weekend's second test in Auckland.

Black Ferns winger Vanessa Cootes bagged two tries while the other winger Exia Shelford improved her record to 13 tries in 10 tests.

England, coming off a test series win in Australia, showed the benefit of time together, especially on defence, but were unable to finish off several promising moves. Their only try came right on fulltime to replacement No 8 Claire Frost.

Suasua said the 10-22 penalty count against his side was a concern and had certainly affected the team's flow.

"We have to look at ourselves and if we've made mistakes we need to look at those," Suasua said.

"Vision is a key and we will be working on things, repeating them until we've got it right."

However, Suasua pointed out that his side had only assembled on Tuesday, coming from club rugby to down a good English side.

English coach Geoff Richards said his side had definitely improved since the Canada Cup when New Zealand won 32-13.

"I'm pleased with the way the team is progressing. We are getting closer and closer (to beating New Zealand) and that's what we've got to keep doing, looking forward to next year's World Cup."

The Black Ferns looked set to rack up a big score when Cootes stormed over the line with pace and strength just three minutes into the match, but mistakes and penalties marred their first half performance.

Going to the break 5-3 up, the Ferns added a second try when Shelford produced an excellent step to outwit the defence and when Cootes replied with a trademark run, they appeared to have the game in the bag at 15-3. However, they were unable to press on.

Prop Regina Sheck was tireless both at scrums and in the loose while No 8 Cheryl Waaka came into her own in the second half, as did skipper Farah Palmer, while centre Annaleah Rush stood out in midfield.

For England, their skipper Paula George was solid on counterattack and first five-eighth Shelley Rae dictated play. The side's defence was strong, especially around the fringes.

Black Ferns: 15 (Vanessa Cootes 2, Exia Shelford tries) England: 10 (Claire Frost try; Shelley Rae pen, con). Halftime: 5-3.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)