England had New Zealand “precisely the place we needed”, however must be extra ruthless when in management to make sure they “bury” prime groups, head coach John Mitchell has mentioned.
The Crimson Roses comfortably defeated the Black Ferns 24-12 on the renamed Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, however didn’t maintain their dominance after taking a three-try 17-0 half-time lead.
Mitchell’s aspect had been outscored within the second interval, managing just one early rating via scrum-half Natasha Hunt, whereas the world champions scored twice to chop England’s lead in half.
“We had a chance to complete them however did not by letting them off via penalties and possibly might have buried them,” Mitchell mentioned.
“Our self-discipline within the final 20 metres of the sector let New Zealand off the hook, we had them precisely the place we needed to.
“When you could have the foot on the throat, end it.”
After defeating France final weekend, Saturday’s victory completes two wins in two warm-up Checks for Mitchell’s aspect earlier than they defend their WXV1 title in Canada later this month.
Victory additionally meant England prolonged their profitable run to 17 matches since their final defeat, which got here in opposition to the Black Ferns within the World Cup ultimate in 2022.
The sport marked the primary performed since Twickenham’s naming rights had been offered, and with the house of English rugby set to host the Girls’s World Cup ultimate subsequent 12 months, either side might nicely meet once more in west London then.
“In the present day we did not get momentum like we usually do,” Mitchell added. “There are some key classes in how one can get momentum in opposition to New Zealand going ahead.
“It’s precisely what we needed, to get classes right now of 12 months. It’s actually good we’ve got accomplished this collection after two actually powerful Take a look at matches.
“I’m a tough marker and I’m not asking the ladies to chew off an excessive amount of as they’ve come off the again of two pre-season video games.
“About seven women hadn’t performed in about 10 weeks and performed in opposition to the world champions.
“I’m fairly completely satisfied the place we’re at.”
England scrum-half Hunt was neglected of the World Cup squad in 2022 and needs to proceed constructing in the direction of the match subsequent 12 months.
“It isn’t essentially about placing down a marker however this group desires to get higher every time we play,” Hunt instructed BBC Sport.
“There’s a 12 months to go earlier than a World Cup on this nation the place rugby was born, so we actually need to showcase what we’re about.
“There’s a huge drive amongst the squad to get higher and put the shirt in a greater place and that could be a group you need to be a part of.”
The Crimson Roses, who gained the inaugural WXV1 title in Auckland after defeating New Zealand in 2023, will once more play the world champions, in addition to hosts Canada and america, on this 12 months’s match.
It is going to be a chance for Mitchell so as to add to the Grand Slam he gained in April throughout his first Six Nations answerable for the Crimson Roses.
“The entire thought was to organize ourselves for WXV and we’re wanting ahead to attacking it,” Mitchell added.
“However we’re additionally wanting ahead to getting residence and having a couple of days impartial and genuine to ourselves.
“It’s a match we need to assault.”
