Black Ferns stroll past England A

Reigning world women's rugby champions New Zealand made it two wins out of two on their three-match tour with a convincing 48-3 defeat of England A at Esher RFC.

The Black Ferns, who had beaten England 16-3 on Sunday (NZ time), lived up to their billing of as the world's number one ranked side.

New Zealand now face their final test against England - the reigning Six Nations champions - on Sunday morning (NZ time) in match that will be a curtain-raiser to the men's international between the same two countries.

New Zealand didn't look back after scoring in just the first minute to halfback Kendra Cocksedge.

England A piled some pressure on the Black Ferns but only had a La Toya Mason penalty to show for the work.

England A suffered a setback when reduced to 14 players with the sinbinning of Natalie Binstead in the 22nd minute. New Zealand quickly took advantage, moving the ball from the right wing to the left with some slick passing and winger Carla Hohepa scored.

More pressure just before halftime resulted in a second try to Hohepa and Anika Tiplady's conversion gave the Black Ferns a 19-3 lead at the break.

New Zealand also began their second half impressively when prop Beth Mallard muscled her way over.

The Black Ferns, despite being reduced to 14 when Cocksedge was sinbinned, increased the lead to 27-3 with a Tiplady penalty and then took total control over the final stages with tries to Huriana Manuel, Tiplady and Kelly Brazier.

- © Fairfax NZ News