New Zealand defy spirited comeback from England Roses to file 48-42 win in Christchurch

New Zealand can seal the three-match sequence with victory in Wednesday’s second worldwide – Sport Two is obtainable on the Sky Sports activities YouTube channel, with protection additionally obtainable on Sky Sports activities Area & Combine from 8am

The Vitality Roses, led by Serena Guthrie, suffered a slender defeat to world champions New Zealand in Monday’s opener

World champions New Zealand defied a spirited fightback from England Roses to file a 48-42 victory within the opening sport of the three-match sequence on the Christchurch Area.

Jess Thirlby’s aspect suffered a 3-0 sequence defeat in opposition to New Zealand in October 2020 – their final aggressive assembly in opposition to worldwide opposition – though they produced a battling show in opposition to a new-look Silver Ferns aspect.

Gina Crampton captained New Zealand for the very first time, whereas 20-year-old Tiana Metuarau – the daughter of former Silver Ferns coach and captain Wai Taumaunu – starred on her worldwide debut at GA.

The hosts appeared poised to finish a convincing victory after establishing an eight-goal cushion halfway by way of the second quarter, however the Vitality Roses fought again magnificently of their bid to say a primary win over New Zealand since 2018.

They nullified New Zealand’s attacking risk for giant intervals, and Thirlby may have been buoyed by the efficiency of George Fisher – who was instrumental in England’s spectacular second half show, changing 22 of her 23 makes an attempt.

Nonetheless, the 2018 Commonwealth Video games winners had been left to rue their profligacy in possession, as New Zealand confirmed their class within the latter levels to attract first blood within the battle for the Taini Jamison Trophy.

“I believed we had been caught chasing the sport somewhat bit, however what was actually pleasing is we had been capable of struggle again within the second half, each bodily and mentally,” Thirlby mirrored post-match.

“I believed we competed nicely and we pushed them proper to the top. The wheels fell off just a bit bit in that final couple of minutes, however gamers that got here off the bench – that they had a extremely constructive affect.

Jess Thirlby was happy with England’s second half fightback in opposition to world champions New Zealand

“In lengthy intervals I felt defensively we had been capable of tie them up, I did not assume it was essentially a snug sport for the Silver Ferns, however finally we have to tidy up our possession sport. We won’t give them an excessive amount of ball after which not capitalise off it.”

The Silver Ferns boasted a slender 12-11 benefit following an intriguing opening quarter. The Roses twice recovered from two-goal deficits to stage, with the skilled duo of Geva Mentor and Layla Guscoth starring on their worldwide returns.

Nonetheless, a late turnover from the hosts gave them the initiative, and so they stretched their result in 23-15 halfway by way of quarter two, because the formidable defensive trio of Kelly Jury, Karin Burger and Maddy Gordon stifled the Roses’ attacking risk.

Within the assault finish, Participant of the match Metuarau was a revelation – changing 17 of her 19 makes an attempt beneath the submit, however the introduction of Fisher – who impressed within the ANZ Premiership final season – sparked a fightback from the Roses.

Thirlby’s aspect reeled off three targets with out reply within the latter levels of quarter two, aided by intercepts from captain Serena Guthrie and the excellent Laura Malcolm, to scale back the arrears to 26-21 on the midway stage.

The Roses continued their revival in an absorbing third quarter; the mixture of Fisher and Cardwell supplied England with extra fluency within the attacking finish, whereas they continued to pressure errors from New Zealand in possession to chop the deficit to 37-33.

Fisher’s affect within the capturing circle was plain, though Imogen Allison and the evergreen Jade Clarke additionally produced spectacular cameos, and the Roses’ disciplined construction noticed them restore parity at 38-38 early within the fourth quarter, as they threatened to finish a exceptional comeback.

Nonetheless, the depth throughout the Silver Ferns’ squad paid dividends. Sulu Fitzpatrick and Claire Kersten had been launched by New Zealand head coach Noeline Taurua within the second half, and Karin Burger produced two essential defensive turnovers because the world champions pulled away within the closing levels.

Watch dwell protection on Sky Sports activities Area, Combine and YouTube channel of England’s sequence in New Zealand as Jess Thirlby’s squad proceed preparations for the defence of their Commonwealth Video games gold medal in Birmingham in 2022