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Jess Breach scores hat-trick as England sweep past New Zealand
By PA
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.
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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England were indeed awesome, Canada next week were pose different challenges, they have earned their number 2 status
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.