On September 14, 2024, England's women's rugby union team faced off against their arch-rivals, New Zealand, at Twickenham, delivering a powerful message to the world champions with a decisive 24-12 victory. This match, filled with intensity and skill, served as more than just another game; it was a significant statement as both sides gear up for the highly anticipated World Cup next year.
The setting at Twickenham, home to English rugby, was electric, with over 40,000 passionate fans filling the stands. England continued their impressive winning streak, marking their 17th consecutive victory. It also added another notch to the belt against the Black Ferns, as England had beaten New Zealand during their last encounter when they returned home from the southern hemisphere in November 2023 with the inaugural WXV 1 trophy.
The match kicked off with England demonstrating their intent to dominate from the outset. This was highlighted by the performance of player of the match, Alex Matthews, who asserted, "It is never a friendly in Test match rugby -- we don't do friendlies. These are warm-ups, but we started something last year and want to build to the World Cup next year."
New Zealand, being the last team to defeat England, has become somewhat of a nemesis for them, having handed England defeat in the 2022 World Cup final. The stakes could not have been higher as England aimed to rectify past failures against the Black Ferns.
It didn't take long for England to open their account. Their captain, Marlie Packer, pushed through the defense for the first try, capitalizing on their well-organized rolling maul just 18 minutes after the whistle. Although Holly Aitchison missed the conversion, momentum was firmly with the hosts.
By the 30-minute mark, Abby Dow showcased her unyielding presence by scoring England's second try, followed closely by another from Ellie Kildunne just before the half-time break, bringing the score to 17-0. This flurry of activity stunned the New Zealand players, who went to the locker room visibly deflated.
The second half began with England seemingly having put the game beyond reach when scrum-half Natasha Hunt scored the third try less than two minutes after play resumed. Aitchison's successful conversion extended England's lead to 24-0, and for many fans, this was the apex of excitement.
But the Black Ferns, as it often goes with great teams, were not ready to roll over. With grit and determination, they began to turn the tide, with Katelyn Vahaakolo scoring their first try at the 50-minute mark, igniting hope for the Kiwis. Just ten minutes later, she struck again, making it 24-12 as they brought themselves back within reach.
Despite their late push, the Black Ferns could not land more blows on the scoreline. England's defense held strong against the onslaught, and both teams received warm applause as they exited the field. The encounter hinted at potential rematches down the line, with speculation already swirling about a final showdown at Twickenham during the upcoming World Cup.
Speaking of revenge, the vibe at Twickenham was palpable, especially from the New Zealand camp. Lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos spoke passionately about the need to rectify their previous defeat to England, describing it as "really special" and emphasizing the collective growth within their squad. She stated, “That would be really, really sweet,” reflecting on the stakes and the significance of these encounters as they prepare for the 2025 World Cup set to be held once again on English soil.
Roos, who made headlines as the youngest Black Ferns captain, expressed excitement about the upcoming match. "We are just here to play, we are here to express ourselves and [build] toward the World Cup. All of these games are building blocks. We know we don't have to be the best right now, but I think we have tools to execute when we need it." This attitude resonates deeply as both teams look toward their future encounters.
The rivalry between England and New Zealand embodies the spirit of women's rugby. With each team continually raising the bar, fans and players alike are gearing up for what promises to be thrilling competition leading to and including the World Cup. Whether it's revenge or redemption they seek, one thing is for sure – the next bout between these two giants of the sport will be one for the ages.