Black Ferns slump to second straight record defeat

• Published date: 09 November 2021
• Publication title: New Zealand Herald, The (Auckland, New Zealand)

It was a dominant performance from England against the world champion New Zealanders, just a year out from the World Cup, and marked the first time any side had put 50 points on the Ferns.

It was also the first time since 2012 England have beaten New Zealand in back-to-back games.

England scored 11 tries, including four from rolling mauls, underlining their dominance in the forwards.

Although the visitors showed early signs of intent, they were twice stopped in their tracks by Marlie Packer, England’s turnover queen, whose dominance at the breakdown proved crucial in her side’s blistering start. England ran in three tries in the opening quarter of an hour.

For New Zealand, alarm bells will surely be ringing. With less than a year until they defend the World Cup in their own backyard, they have a mountain to climb if they want to get anywhere close to England’s superiority — not to mention getting their youngsters up to speed. Coach Glenn Moore gave debuts to five players in yesterday’s test.

Moore applauded the England side, acknowledging the power of their pack, and said he was proud of a team he says is young and in a rebuilding phase.

“We have to keep getting back up. We have to congratulate England, they’re a well polished outfit at the moment, their maul is a real strength,” Moore said. “I’m proud of our young players. We’re investing back...