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Jess Breach scores hat-trick as England sweep past New Zealand

By PA
Jess Breach of England kicks the ball over Ruahei Demant of New Zealand during the Women's International Test between England Red Roses and New Zealand Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium on September 14, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Jess Breach scored a hat-trick as England swept past New Zealand 49-31 in a convincing nine-try win in their second WXV1 match at the Langley Event Centre in Canada.

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The Red Roses, ranked the world’s number one side, recovered from a slow start to ruthlessly dispatch the Black Ferns and lay down another marker ahead of next year’s home World Cup.

New Zealand – who had suffered a shock last-gasp 29-27 loss to Ireland in their opening game of the tournament in Vancouver – made a bright start when number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker drove over, before England responded through a neat finish from wing Abby Dow.

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Breach’s opening try then put John Mitchell’s side 12-7 in front after 20 minutes before England capitalised on a knock-on by Maia Joseph for Ellie Kildunne to sprint away off the scrum.

New Zealand hit back again when the ball was recycled out to wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga, with a successful conversion cutting England’s lead down to five points, only for Kildunne to squeeze over in the corner and make it 22-12 at half-time.

England – who started their WXV1 defence with a 61-21 victory over the United States – produced a strong start to the second half as Klidunne fed Dow to run in her second try in the 44th minute, with Natasha Hunt charging down a kick to cross and stretching the advantage to 34-12.

Breach added England’s seventh try following a flowing move after a line-out on the left before New Zealand rallied again heading into the final 20 minutes as hooker Georgia Ponsonby drove over down the right, with Hannah King adding the extras.

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Kaipo Olsen-Baker’s powerful run found Maia Roos to score another for New Zealand as the deficit was cut to 39-24.

Breach, though, promptly collected a pass from Holly Aitchison to sprint into the corner for her hat-trick and relieve the growing anxiety.

Replacement Zoe Harrison then added another try with three minutes left after Kildunne had been held up on the line before Maama Vaipulu scored a late consolation for the beleaguered Black Ferns.

England – who also beat New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in September – extended their impressive winning run to 19 straight matches and will go on to face Canada in a title decider at BC Place Stadium, Vancouver on October 12.

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Comments

2 Comments
C
CN 32 days ago

England were indeed awesome, Canada next week were pose different challenges, they have earned their number 2 status

B
BC 32 days ago

Yes, Canada are a completely different challenge. Forward dominated and posing less of a free flowing threat in attack. However, that does not make them an easier opponent as they are a much improved team. The Red Roses' forwards will need to be ready for the physical threat Canada will provide. I'm sure they will be.

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