Sport

Black Ferns still have a lot of homework to do

09:35 am on 8 November 2021

They may have hammered the Black Ferns again, but England aren't prepared to take the favourites tag for next year's Rugby World Cup.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

England turned in another ruthless performance to secure a 56-15 win in Northampton.

The victory breaks the record winning margin set in last weekend's 43-12 win.

Hooker Amy Cokayne, who played in New Zealand as a teenager, scored three of her side's eight tries, but she's not about to dismiss the hosts ahead of next year's World Cup.

"I don't think you can ever write off the New Zealand team," said Cokayne.

"The story will be completely different in a years time, I think both teams will go through massive changes of growth over the next year, this is almost the start of the journey.

"It's obviously good to get these wins which is good for the confidence, but it's a long year ahead."

England led 28-0 at half time and while New Zealand scored three tries after the break, England crossed three more times to remain world number ones.

Portia Woodman touched down twice and Stacey Fluhler once for the New Zealanders.

The Black Ferns again were unable to match England up front, while the hosts were also able to make regular breaks.

Halfback Kendra Cocksedge spent 10 minutes in the sin-bin in the first half for a deliberate knock-on.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore wasn't happy with their discipline.

"We gave away too many penalties which allowed them to kick into the corners and then maul which is one of their strengths.

"I thought we brought a lot more physicality this week and we also improved in our set piece.

"Obviously we have to work on stopping the maul, but its important that we don't give them the opportunities," Moore said.

The Black Ferns have continued to give debuts for a number of players and Moore says it was important that they did that this year.

He was impressed by England's performance.

"They are very well conditioned at the moment , they're playing an up tempo game and they're executing that really really well."

Captain Les Elder and the team now prepare for two Tests against France.

"There is a lot of stuff we need to go away and do, a lot of homework and reflection which we'll get straight into tomorrow," said Elder.

France warmed up for the series with a convincing seven try 46-3 win over South Africa.