Harrison’s late try gives Red Roses victory over New Zealand in Twickenham thriller

Kieran CrichardSat, September 26, 2026 at 4:20 PM UTC

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England celebrate Zoe Harrison’s last-gasp winner - Getty Images/Morgan HarlowEngland 26 New Zealand 19

Just when it looked like the Red Roses’ lustre was beginning to fade, up stepped Zoe Harrison.

In one of the most dramatic finishes to an England match in recent memory, the fly-half gobbled up Amy Du Plessis’s pass to glide over the whitewash and secure a pulsating win over the New Zealand.

Ever the epitome of calmness, Harrison was undeterred by the fact she had just missed what would have been a match-winning penalty from some 35 metres out with the score locked at 19-19.

But after their arm-wrestle with Canada last weekend in Exeter, which finished 26-26, there was simply no way the Red Roses were going to settle for a draw for a second week running.

A year to the day since they were crowned world champions in their own back yard, England’s status as the most dominant side in the women’s game was all but confirmed by this pulsating victory over the Black Ferns.

Ellie Kildunne breaks away from Amy du Plessis to put England back in front in the second half - Getty Images/David Rogers

This is one of the most celebrated rivalries in rugby and this tussle between these two titans of the female game did not disappoint, even though Shaun Edwards might have a few things to say about the Red Roses’ lack of grittiness in defence.

New Zealand came to London promising much after an encouraging series of results under new coach Whitney Hansen. They had not lost in seven outings under the daughter of former All Blacks World-Cup winning coach Steve.

Hansen warned her side would outgun England for fitness. It was a prophecy that came true of sorts when Mererangi Paul burst over with 10 minutes remaining to bring an absorbing Test match level.

Mererangi Paul goes over to bring the Black Ferns level with 10 minutes left - Adrian Dennis/Getty Images

After a stodgy first half, England came out with a renewed belief after the break and wrestled away momentum from the Black Ferns. Tries from Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach put England in the ascendancy and righted what was an underwhelming opening 40 minutes for the hosts as New Zealand’s game plan began to unravel.

But the Black Ferns, perhaps irked by the fact they are second in the world order, rallied late on. However, despite Paul’s leveller, it would not be enough. To their credit, at least they played with the clock in the red, unlike Canada last week, but it was Harrison who punished them for their bravery.

The Red Roses enjoy a pile-on after Harrison’s late heroics - Getty Images/Paul Harding

England, like they always do, simply wanted it more. They are still the team to beat.

05:16pm

England head coach John Mitchell

“It was a really tough performance from our girls. A great rivalry, New Zealand were unbeaten all year. A fantastic Test match. We had a few moments where we could have finished them off and we did not. The Red Roses do not get to play Canada and New Zealand often. It is important for us to learn how to win tight Test matches. The girls hung real tough today. It is cool we get a week off now and then we will regroup for the games against Canada. We will have to recover quickly and get excited for that trip.”

05:11pm

England captain Meg Jones

“What an amazing atmosphere to be a part of and an amazing occasion. That is one of the biggest rivalries in women’s rugby. It was an honour to take the field today and face the Black Ferns, who were outstanding today. We want to make this game as entertaining as possible and hopefully we did that today. You always want to test where you are at. It has tested us a lot and tested our character. I am super proud of how we showed up today.”

05:07pm

Player of the match Maddie Feaunati

“That was the ultimate Test match. It was one of the best games I have every played in. It was the entertaining game that women’s rugby is at the moment. I can say it was fun now but it was a proper Test match. I really enjoyed it. They were physical and they can play when they get space. We train for moments like this and work so hard to get there at the end so it is all worth it.”

04:57pm

Today’s games

Italy 29 South Africa 41 FTEngland 26 New Zealand 19 FTWales 24 United States 26 Scotland 7 Australia 5France 0 Canada 0

04:53pm

Red Roses’ WXV games

HOME:September 12: England 48 Australia 15 (Salford)September 19: England 26 Canada 26 (Exeter)Today: England 26 New Zealand 19 (Twickenham)

AWAY:October 17: Canada vs England 12amOctober 24: Canada vs England 12amOctober 30: United States vs England 9.15pm

04:48pm

Full time

That was the final act of the game as England win it 26-19. They did not really deserve the win as New Zealand butchered many chances today but the Red Roses have demonstrated today why they are world champions and the best side in the world.

04:46pmKey moments • Tries

TRY! Harrison wins it for England

The person who missed the penalty kick is the one who still manages to win it at the death for the Red Roses. Unlike Canada last weekend, New Zealand play it from deep trying to win the game. However, near the edge of their 22, Harrison intercepts and races to the line to score to send Allianz Stadium into a state of delirium. Harrison converts her own try in the most dramatic of endings to this match.

The Red Roses claim victory in such dramatic circumstances - David Rogers/Getty Images

04:46pm

80 mins: England 19 New Zealand 19

It is a woeful kick from Harrison and, instead of kicking the ball out, New Zealand decide to play it...

04:45pm

79 mins: England 19 New Zealand 19

New Zealand fail to roll away on their own 10-metre line and England have the penalty inside the final 60 seconds. Harrison summons the ball and she will go for goal. It is all on this kick...

04:44pm

78 mins: England 19 New Zealand 19

England win a free-kick from a scrum on New Zealand’s feed around the halfway line as we tick inside the final two minutes.

04:41pm

76 mins: England 19 New Zealand 19

On halfway, Harrison swings a long pass out to her left looking for Feaunati but the England number eight knocks on on the stretch.

04:40pm

75 mins: England 19 New Zealand 19

The Black Ferns enjoy a spell of possession on the fringes of the England 22 but the Red Roses stand firm as Matthews rips the ball away.

04:37pm

72 mins: England 19 New Zealand 19

England win a penalty on halfway and Hunt takes the quick tap. The replacement scrum-half makes great progress towards the New Zealand 22 but is a touch isolated and is caught holding on.

04:33pmKey moments • Tries

TRY! Paul strikes for New Zealand

With a conversion to come to level, the Black Ferns score their third try of the afternoon. They have wasted so many chances inside the England 22 but this time they do not. They are knocking on the door, just a few metres out, before the ball is sent into the hands of the backs. Du Plessis’ long pass finds Paul, who gets over the line. Sorensen-McGee gets the conversion and we are all square at 19-19 inside the final ten minutes.

Tense finish in store at HQ - David Davies/PA

04:31pm

68 mins: England 19 New Zealand 12

The Black Ferns are not out of this and win a penalty inside the England 22, with Feaunati the guilty party for failing to roll away. New Zealand put it into the corner.

04:28pm

65 mins: England 19 New Zealand 12

New Zealand make another entry into the England 22 but the Red Roses’ defence stands firm, with Botterman securing the crucial turnover at the breakdown. Botterman is so good over the ball and is so tough to move off it. New Zealand will rue the number of opportunities they have spurned today.

04:25pm

62 mins: England 19 New Zealand 12

New Zealand are awarded a penalty on the England 10-metre line as the Red Roses are punished for sealing off. A reminder that this is a seven-point game. The Black Ferns kick into the England 22 as they get back to 15 players.

04:21pm

60 mins: England 19 New Zealand 12

We have news from the bunker. Mahutariki-Fakalelu’s yellow will remain so; the degree of danger was high but the mitigation was a sudden drop of height.

04:19pmAnalysis

58 mins: England 19 New Zealand 12

England have started this half looking like a different side and full of vigour. Big period this for New Zealand, who simply have to score next to have any chance of staying in this contest. They need to regroup and wrestle back momentum from the Red Roses.

04:19pm

57 mins: England 19 New Zealand 12

New Zealand waste another entry into the England 22. Leti-I’iga, who has been a real livewire today, makes the break and offloads to Joseph, who is brought down inside the Red Roses 22. However, moments later, New Zealand knock on.

04:15pmTries

TRY! Breach extends England’s lead

The Red Roses take advantage of New Zealand being down to 14. It all stems from a superb scrum from England inside the New Zealand 22, with the Red Roses’ replacement props dominating. With a penalty advantage in hand, England come down the blindside and Breach scores in the corner. Harrison cannot add the extras.

England trying to create some breathing space - David Rogers/Getty Images

04:13pm

53 mins: England 14 New Zealand 12

England have made a host of changes in the pack as Botterman, Muir and Burton all head on.

04:13pm

52 mins: England 14 New Zealand 12

New Zealand’s discipline is starting to slip as they begin to concede a few more penalties. The latest penalty offence is going to see the TMO step in to check for possible foul play. It is Mahutariki-Fakalelu who is the one who is under the microscope. M Packer carries the ball into contact and dips into the tackle herself. Mahutariki-Fakalelu tries to get low but there is direct head-on-head contact. With the current rules, those are always going to be yellow cards but I do feel some sympathy for Mahutariki-Fakalelu. M Packer is pretty shaken up as she heads off for an HIA but I cannot imagine she will return.

04:03pmKey moments • Tries

TRY! Kildunne strikes for England

England strike inside the New Zealand 22. Breach was being pushed backwards on the right wing near the 22 by a couple of defenders but somehow gets the ball away to Kildunne, who spots open space in front of her down the right wing and sprints away to score. Harrison adds the extras and somehow England lead this game.

England have found a way to take the lead - David Davies/PA

04:03pm

44 mins: England 7 New Zealand 12

England win a penalty on the New Zealand 10-metre line as the Black Ferns are punished for failing to roll away. England kick into the New Zealand 22.

04:01pm

43 mins: England 7 New Zealand 12

That probably sums up England’s game thus far. From just inside their own half, Harrison’s long, looping pass perfectly picks out Kildunne in-stride down the right wing but the latter’s chip ahead is sliced straight into touch.

03:58pm

Second half

We are back under way at Allianz Stadium. For the third straight week, England do not lead at the break and for the second time in three weeks they are trailing. How will the Red Roses respond to a pretty poor first-half performance?

03:57pm

Today’s games

Italy 29 South Africa 41 FTEngland 7 New Zealand 12 HTWales 24 United States 21 HTScotland vs Australia 4.10pmFrance vs Canada 4.45pm

03:54pmAnalysis

Red Roses lucky to still be in it?

A stodgy half from England, who have spent more time in their own 22 facing wave after wave of New Zealand pressure. The Black Ferns should have put this match away with all the chances they’ve had in the Red Roses’ red zone, but they’ve let themselves down with their execution and decision making. Had Maia Joseph not tried to find her winger with an overcooked cross-field kick the visitors could be in a much more commanding position. They may very well rue that come the end of this match.

03:44pm

Half-time

England boot the ball out to bring the first half to an and New Zealand deservedly lead at the break. In all honesty, the Black Ferns should be much further ahead than five points.

03:43pm

40 mins: England 7 New Zealand 12

New Zealand make yet another entry in this first half into the England 22. Can they finish the half with aplomb?

The answer is no as Feaunati and M Packer get over the ball five metres from their own line to secure a crucial turnover for England.

03:40pm

37 mins: England 7 New Zealand 12

New Zealand’s confidence is growing, displayed by a superb box-kick from Joseph from just inside her half that rolls into touch inside the England 22 for a 50:22.

New Zealand make good progress through the England 22 after a series of strong carries and are now just five metres out.

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Joseph then goes for a slightly audacious crossfield kick from near the England line and it looks like Paul might score in the corner but the ball kicks on from the first bounce and goes dead. Was that the right decision from Joseph to go to the kick?

03:34pmKey moments • Tries

TRY! Leti-I’iga gives New Zealand deserved lead

The Black Ferns deserve this try and the lead. It is a superb first-phase try from a lineout just outside the England 22. The ball is shipped into the hands of New Zealand fly-half King, who fools the England defence with a superb dummy. As she races to the England 22, she has a two-on-one opportunity which she executes as she finds Leti-I’iga, who scores. Leti-I’iga was denied earlier but scores this time. The extras are added.

New Zealand have been the better team in this first half - David Rogers/Getty Images

03:33pm

30 mins: England 7 New Zealand 5

New Zealand are behind at the moment on the scoreboard but have definitely been the better side in this first half. If they had been a bit more clinical, they would be a fair way ahead of England.

03:32pmAnalysis

28 mins: England 7 New Zealand 5

Just when it looked like Shaun Edwards’ fingerprints were all over England’s defence, Amy Du Plessis scores a peach of a try, savvily exploiting acres of space in England’s backfield. Jess Breach, who earlier made a phenomenal try-saving tackle, miles out of position.

03:28pmKey moments • Tries

TRY! Du Plessis finally makes New Zealand pressure pay

After all the wasted entries into the England 22, New Zealand finally score their first try of the afternoon. England clear the ball to halfway, where Black Ferns outside centre Du Plessis fields it and then kicks in behind. She races to get onto the end of it and there are no England defenders covering in behind. That allows Du Plessis to get on the end of her own kick and she dots down on the line, where the ball ended up. The conversion is missed out to the right.

03:27pm

24 mins: England 7 New Zealand 0

England’s defence is once more put to the test inside their own 22. Again they deliver as they force a New Zealand knock-on.

03:25pm

22 mins: England 7 New Zealand 0

Another New Zealand entry into the England 22 does not end in points as they knock on. The Black Ferns cannot afford to waste this many opportunities.

03:23pmAnalysis

20 mins: England 7 New Zealand 0

After a great carry from New Zealand number eight Olsen-Baker, the visitors are into the England 22. The Black Ferns go through plenty phases deep inside the 22 and look like scoring but a great tackle from Breach in the corner bundles Leti-I’iga into touch. That is now a few entries into the 22 for New Zealand that have not yielded points and they have to take advantage of these entries against a side of England’s calibre.

New Zealand will be hugely disappointed not to be leading this match after all that early pressure in England’s 22. The Red Roses have had an underwhelming start with a litany of errors but the world champions know how to take their chances when it matters.

03:20pm

17 mins: England 7 New Zealand 0

That is a silly penalty to give away by Feaunati. Around halfway, she takes out the Black Ferns nine Joseph and is rightly penalised. A needless penalty to give away.

03:15pmKey moments • Tries

TRY! Moloney-MacDonald puts England in front

New Zealand have had a try ruled out but this one for England will not be. From the lineout deep inside the New Zealand 22, England shift it down the line from right to left. Kildunne gets out of Sorensen-McGee’s tackle and passes outside to Moloney-MacDonald, who has the speed to go over in the corner. Harrison nails a tough conversion and England lead 7-0.

England lead despite being under early pressure - David Davies/PA

03:14pm

12 mins: England 0 New Zealand 0

England are awarded a penalty just inside the New Zealand half after a deliberate knock-on. It is given as no more than a penalty and the Red Roses kick towards the 22.

M Packer carries hard into contact before England have another penalty advantage. England get to within five metres of the line before progress is halted so we go back for the original penalty. No thought of going for three as the ball goes into the corner.

03:10pm

7 mins: England 0 New Zealand 0

This has been a poor start from England, with a few sloppy mistakes and pretty much the whole game so far being played in England’s half.

03:08pm

NO TRY! Leti-I’iga score ruled out

Rightly so, the officials change their original decision and disallow the try. Leti-I’iga failed to release the ball when she got back up after being tackled by M Packer so England have the penalty.

03:06pm

TRY! Leti-I’iga puts New Zealand in front

The Black Ferns have made the better start of the two teams and make their early pressure pay.Winger Leti-I’iga appeared to be tackled and then got back up to run to the line to score. England thought that Leti-I’iga had been tackled by M Packer so did the New Zealand winger release the ball? The TMO is stepping in...

03:04pm

3 mins: England 0 New Zealand 0

The first penalty of the afternoon goes the way of the visitors, just inside the England half. New Zealand will have their first chance in attack on the Red Roses’ 22.

New Zealand’s maul rolls into the 22 before they are forced to play it out. The Black Ferns make decent progress through the 22 but the attack is ended by a knock-on from centre Brunt.

03:01pmOpinion

Kick-off

After New Zealand perform the haka, during which England had their own formation to receive the haka, we are under way at Allianz Stadium.

Intriguing response from England to the Black Ferns’ Haka - Jess Breach mentioned in the week they had a plan to face it. Not sure they have ever done that before - started in a V shape before advancing forwards. There was a huge roar inside the Allianz when the hosts moved together to form a line.

02:57pm

Reminder of the teams

England starting XV: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Megan Jones (captain), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer, 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 Bryony Field, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Lilli Ives Campion, 6 Alex Matthews, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati.

Replacements: 16 May Campbell, 17 Hannah Botterman, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Abi Burton, 21 Natasha Hunt, 22 Tatyana Heard, 23 Emma Sing.

New Zealand starting XV: 15 Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 14 Mererangi Paul, 13 Amy du Plessis, 12 Sylvia Brunt, 11 Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 10 Hannah King, 9 Maia Joseph, 1 Chryss Viliko, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 3 Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5 Laura Bayfield, 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Elinor-Plum King, 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker.

Replacements: 16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Maddi Robinson, 18 Santo Taumata, 19 Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 20 Layla Sae, 21 Tara Turner, 22 Justine McGregor, 23 Alena Saili.

02:55pm

In for a cracker?

We’re expecting a crowd of around 60,000 inside the Allianz today, which, if achieved, would mark the third highest crowd ever for a women’s rugby match in England. A late change to the Red Roses team - vice-captain Sadia Kabeya has had to pull out of today’s fixture with a leg injury, so Marlie Packer starts at blindside flanker. This is women’s rugby’s most celebrated rivalry and after England’s wobble against Canada last week, we’re in for a cracker.

02:53pm

Anthem time

It is as perfect a late September day in the UK that you can get. Both sides emerge from the tunnel in front of over 50,000.

Now it is time for the national anthems; God Defend New Zealand followed by God Save The King.

02:50pm

Lack of jackals for the Red Roses

02:45pm

A concerning statistic for the Red Roses?

02:40pm

Today’s games

Italy 12 South Africa 24England vs New Zealand 3pmWales vs United States 3pmScotland vs Australia 4.10pmFrance vs Canada 4.45pm

02:35pm

Red Roses need to rediscover physicality to beat Black Ferns

The Red Roses have always been renowned for their physicality – a superpower that has set them apart from the rest of the world. If their first two WXV fixtures have told us anything, it is that they have regressed in this area since becoming world champions last year.

Their lack of punch and combativeness was evident both in their stodgy first half against Australia and their absorbing draw with Canada last week at Sandy Park. The stats do not lie: England’s gain-line success has slumped from 67 per cent to 55 per cent in their last two outings. That drop might seem negligible on paper, but for a side who have not lost in almost four years, it will raise eyebrows.

02:30pm

Red Roses’ WXV games

HOME:September 12: England 48 Australia 15 (Salford)September 19: England 26 Canada 26 (Exeter)Today: England vs New Zealand 3pm (Twickenham)

AWAY:October 17: Canada vs England 12amOctober 24: Canada vs England 12amOctober 30: United States vs England 9.15pm

02:22pm

Hosts in the house

A stunning day for it as well at HQ:

02:17pm

Edwards convinces Red Roses they are not stepping stone to men’s team

Shaun Edwards has convinced the Red Roses he is not just working with them to “bunny hop” to Steve Borthwick’s men’s team following his surprise move.

The widely acclaimed defence guru, who has been frequently linked to the England men’s outfit over the past two decades, raised eyebrows after being announced in a consultancy role with John Mitchell’s women’s team earlier this week.Edwards will be with the group for the remainder of their autumn campaign, but the Red Roses were only told

about his appointment last Sunday following their intense 26-26 draw with Canada in Exeter.

Shaun Edwards finally in England attire! - David Rogers/Getty Images

02:10pm

Teams in full

England starting XV: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Megan Jones (captain), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer, 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 Bryony Field, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Lilli Ives Campion, 6 Alex Matthews, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati.

Replacements: 16 May Campbell, 17 Hannah Botterman, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Abi Burton, 21 Natasha Hunt, 22 Tatyana Heard, 23 Emma Sing.

New Zealand starting XV: 15 Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 14 Mererangi Paul, 13 Amy du Plessis, 12 Sylvia Brunt, 11 Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 10 Hannah King, 9 Maia Joseph, 1 Chryss Viliko, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 3 Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5 Laura Bayfield, 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Elinor-Plum King, 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker.

Replacements: 16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Maddi Robinson, 18 Santo Taumata, 19 Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 20 Layla Sae, 21 Tara Turner, 22 Justine McGregor, 23 Alena Saili.

02:04pm

England confirm late changes to matchday squad

Red Roses flanker Sadia Kabeya been ruled out of today’s match against New Zealand due to a leg injury.

Marlie Packer will start at openside flanker, earning her 119th international cap.

Haineala Lutui comes on to the bench in the 19 jersey with Abi Burton switching to jersey number 20.

02:00pmKey moments

Time for a new winning streak?

England’s WXV Global Series campaign continues at Allianz Stadium as they take on New Zealand, nearly a year to the day since the Red Roses lifted the World Cup trophy in this very stadium. Today represents England’s final home game of their WXV campaign, as they travel to Canada and the United States next month.

England’s incredible 39-game winning streak came to an end last weekend at Sandy Park, with Canada holding the Red Roses to a 26-26 draw in a repeat of last year’s World Cup final. Their opponents today New Zealand were the last team to beat the Red Roses in the 2022 World Cup final. These sides last met in October 2024, with the Red Roses winning 49-31.

“We are moving forward in the right direction whilst building depth in our cover,” said England head coach John Mitchell. “New Zealand are playing good rugby at the moment and it is no surprise to see them raise their standards. Test matches against the best teams in the world are what we relish and look forward to, especially at Allianz Stadium.”

The Red Roses have been boosted by the news this week that Shaun Edwards has joined them in a short-term coaching consultancy role. Edwards, who most recently was France Men’s Defence Coach, will be with the squad until the end of the WXV Global Series.

Will we see an immediate impact from Shaun Edwards on this Red Roses side? - Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

“Shaun and I have competed against each other in the international coaching arena for a very long time and I am very respectful of what he has delivered,” Mitchell added. “I am looking forward to learning and working with him. Since his time with France ended, we have had a conversation about our game, and he expressed an interest in working in an international women’s set-up for the first time. He has a huge amount of respect for the Red Roses and what we stand for; he sees it as a privilege to join our environment.

“His coaching credentials are exceptional and his experience at the highest level of the game speaks for itself. Defensively, Sarah Hunter is relishing the opportunity to learn from him, alongside the rest of our coaching group, as we head into another exciting Test match against New Zealand. Shaun will add to the programme and provide incredible value to the girls over the remainder of the WXV Global Series.”

New Zealand claimed a dominant 66-14 win over Scotland last weekend, which followed up a 28-14 win over France the week before. The Black Ferns have now won all seven Tests they have played this year.

“Our players are built different, we are made for these moments,” said New Zealand head coach Whitney Hansen, daughter of former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. “We have continued to grow each week and we are excited to put our rugby identity to the test against England, who are currently number one in the world.”

Kick-off from Allianz Stadium is at 3pm.

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