Rugby: Depleted NZ too good in opening women's test

The New Zealand women's team beat England 16-3 in the first of two tests at Esher, in Surrey, yesterday.

In windy conditions, the New Zealand women went ahead through two penalties to first five-eighths Rebecca Mahoney.

Flanker Justine Lavea and No 8 Casey Robertson were both yellow carded late into the first half, Lavea for not rolling away and Robertson for a dangerous tackle.

With just 13 players on the field, Canterbury's Amiria Rule scored a try in the 40th minute and with Mahoney's conversion, New Zealand led 13-0 at halftime.

Another Mahoney penalty and a three-pointer from English first five-eighths Katy McLean completed the scoring.

Coach Brian Evans said the team still had things to work on but it was a pleasing result from a physical contest.

"The turning point in the game was when we only had 13 players on the field and the team rallied together to score that try. This was a good win as our first time together as a team," said Evans.

The Blacks Ferns take on England A in their next match early on Wednesday before playing England in the second test at Twickenham next weekend as a curtainraiser to the All Blacks-England test.