England's Harrison scores last-gasp try to beat Black Ferns

Zoe Harrison’s last‑gasp try gave England a 26‑19 victory over New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in the WXV Global Series, preventing the Black Ferns from recording a second successive draw. England (7) 26 Tries: Moloney‑MacDonald, Kildunne, Breach, Harrison Conversions: Harrison 3 New Zealand (12) 19 Tries: Du Plessis, Leti‑I'iga, Paul Conversion: Sorensen‑McGee 2 With the scores locked at 19‑19 in the 81st minute, Harrison had already missed a penalty earlier in the half. She intercepted a pass as the Black Ferns attempted a counter‑attack, dived over the line and was swamped by celebrating teammates. The win delighted a crowd of 59 871. England’s 39‑match winning streak had ended the previous week in a 26‑26 draw with Canada, but the side found a dramatic way to regain the winning habit. New Zealand, the team that defeated England in the 2022 World Cup final, suffered its first loss under new head coach Whitney Hansen. The Black Ferns took a deserved lead at halftime after tries by Amy du Plessis and Ayesha Leti‑I'iga, which nullified Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald’s early score. Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach restored England’s advantage, and Mererangi Paul’s converted effort levelled the match at 70 minutes. England will now travel to Canada to complete their three‑Test series against the World Cup finalists in Toronto and Ottawa, while the Black Ferns face France in Hamilton. The Black Ferns have beaten England in all five World Cup final meetings they have contested. Canada out‑classed New Zealand in last year’s World Cup semi‑final, breaking what had become one of rugby’s great rivalries. Under Hansen, who assumed the head‑coach role after the disappointing 2022 World Cup, New Zealand remained unbeaten this year, recording victories over Canada and France. The world’s second‑ranked side dominated much of the opening half inside England’s 22, and an opportunistic kick created unmarked space for du Plessis to touch down for a deserved try. England had previously beaten New Zealand 49‑31 in their most recent encounter in 2024, winning all three meetings since their 2022 World Cup final defeat. That run has positioned Canada as the Red Roses’ toughest upcoming test. Nevertheless, at Twickenham Hansen’s side displayed a fearsome level of physicality and pace that tested England. Leti‑I'iga, whose early effort was ruled out, caused continual disruption in the first half and eventually scored after Tyla King broke clear; a poorly judged cross‑field kick then allowed England to escape further damage. More to follow. England: Kildunne; Breach, Jones (capt), Rowland, Moloney‑MacDonald; Harrison, L Packer; Carson, Field, Bern, Talling, Ives Campion, Matthews, Kabeya, Feaunati Replacements: Campbell, Botterman, Muir, Burton, Packer, Hunt, Heard, Sing New Zealand: Sorensen‑McGee; Paul, Brunt, Du Plessis, Leti‑I'iga; H King, Joseph; Viliko, Ponsonby, Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Roos, Bayfield, Mikaele-Tu'u, E-P King, Olsen-Baker Replacements: Lolohea, Robinson, Taumata, Vaipulu, Sae, Turner, McGregor, Saili Referee: Clara Munarini (Italy) Assistant referees: Ben Connor (Wales) and Beatrice Smussi (Italy) TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)