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Black Ferns fall short to Red Roses in London

Black Ferns fall short to Red Roses in London

All BlacksSeptember 15, 2024

The Royal Hug wasn’t enough; England's Red Roses won for the 20th time in 21 internationals at Twickenham.

The game, the first played since Twickenham's naming rights were sold to insurance company Allianz, was played in front of a crowd of 41,523 - the second-largest crowd for a Black Ferns international after the 2022 Rugby World Cup final.

The victory extends England's winning run to 17 matches since their last defeat, which came against the Black Ferns on that grandiose 2022 occasion. 

The Black Ferns started vigorously, confidently. England defended resolutely.

The first try was scored clinically after 18 minutes. A lineout catch and drive saw gnarly captain Marile Packer rewarded.

England has been accused of being prosaic but tries scored by prolific outside backs Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne cast doubts on that tenuous accusation. Both chances were created by swift handling after robust forward industry. 

When veteran halfback Natasha Hunt scored a fourth try in the 42nd minute it was an uneasy bedtime for most Black Ferns supporters. England ahead 24-0.

The flagging visitors were prompted out of bed when Katelyn Vahaakolo snaffled a kick that shouldn’t have bounced her way. Vahaakolo is often somebody who makes something happen out of nothing. 

With 23 tackles and 23 carries, Alex Matthews caused similar headaches to Springboks talisman Peter Steph Du Toit. Packer with 11 tackles trailed lock Zoe Aldcroft (21 tackles) and Abbie Ward (16 tackles) as England’s busted defenders.

The Black Ferns made England work hard, returning winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga typically dynamic, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u punchy and the bench providing noteworthy impact. 

England have won nine of the 13 test matches against the Black Ferns on home soil.

The Black Ferns next assignment is Ireland in the opening game of WXV1 on September 29.

England: 24 (Marlie Packer, Abby Dow, Ellie Kildunne, Natasha Hunt tries; Holly Aitchison 2 cons) Black Ferns: 12 Katelyn Vahaakolo 2; Renee Holmes 2 con) HT: 17-0.

The inside story of the hug felt around the world. 🤗👑#LikeABlackFern

— Black Ferns (@BlackFerns) September 12, 2024

 

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