England edged out New Zealand 59-58 in a thrilling opening match of their three-game series. The hosts led 15-14 after the first quarter in Auckland but the sides were locked 29-29 at half-time in a tight tussle. England had spells on top but the Silver Ferns kept fighting back until the Roses eventually got over the line.

Top-ranked England has downed world champion New Zealand 24-12 at Twickenham a year out from the next Women’s Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand rugby ensured a strong finish to their Rugby Championship campaign as they secured an impressive 33-13 win over Australia rugby in Wellington. Having fought off a late Australian comeback in the first Bledisloe Cup meeting in Sydney last week,

New Zealand finish their Rugby Championship campaign on a high, with a comfortable victory over a much-improved Australia in Wellington.