England Women Defeat New Zealand to Extend Unbeaten Run to 41 Tests

VoS NEWS DESK | SPORTS | 27 SEPTEMBER 2026

The match remained closely contested for much of the afternoon, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage. England eventually secured victory through a late intervention from Zoe Harrison, who produced the defining moment of the match in the 82nd minute.

Harrison intercepted a New Zealand pass and raced through to score a crucial try. She then converted the try herself, giving England the points required to secure a 26–19 victory and extend their unbeaten international sequence.

Harrison finished the match with 11 points, while England also crossed the line through Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach. New Zealand remained competitive throughout the contest, scoring tries through Amy du Plessis, Ayesha Leti-I'iga and Mererangi Paul.

The result came only a week after England's 26–26 draw with Canada, which had brought their previous 39-match winning streak to an end. The draw did not end England's unbeaten sequence, and their victory over New Zealand has now extended that run to 41 Tests.

England's current unbeaten sequence stretches back to their 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup final defeat by New Zealand. Since then, the Red Roses have maintained an extended period without a Test defeat, including a series of closely fought international matches.

The latest meeting also demonstrated the competitive nature of the rivalry between England and New Zealand. The two teams have regularly faced one another in major international competitions, with both possessing established women's rugby programmes and extensive experience at the highest level.

For England, the victory provides another result in a demanding international schedule. The team will now turn its attention towards Canada, where it is scheduled to complete its three-Test series against the World Cup runners-up.

The remaining fixtures are scheduled to take place in Toronto and Ottawa, giving England another opportunity to continue its international campaign before the next stage of the season.

The match at Allianz Stadium also attracted a substantial crowd, underlining the growing audience for elite women's rugby and the continuing interest surrounding England's long unbeaten international run.

VoS STRATEGIC INSIGHT

The England–New Zealand encounter demonstrated how small margins can determine the outcome of elite international rugby. With the scores remaining close until the closing stages, a single interception and late try ultimately separated the teams. England's 26–19 victory has taken their unbeaten Test sequence to 41 matches.

Source: Reuters; The Straits Times; CNA.