Zoe Harrison Scores Last-Gasp Try as England Defeats New Zealand in WXV Global Series

BBC Sport•Published: Sep 26, 2026 09:42 PM IST

England secured a dramatic victory over New Zealand at Allianz Stadium after fly-half Zoe Harrison intercepted a pass in the 81st minute to score a match-winning try. The result allowed the Red Roses to avoid a second consecutive draw in the WXV Global Series following their stalemate against Canada last week.

Dramatic Match Winner: Zoe Harrison intercepted a New Zealand counter-attack in the final minute to dive over the line, breaking a 19-19 deadlock.
Key Scoring Contributions: England's tries were provided by Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Ellie Kildunne, and Jess Breach, while Harrison added three conversions.
Black Ferns Performance: New Zealand, playing their first match under head coach Whitney Hansen, led at half-time with tries from Amy du Plessis, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, and Mererangi Paul.

The Context & Background

This match marked a significant test for England, who have been working to maintain their dominance following their 2022 World Cup final loss to the Black Ferns. New Zealand entered the contest with a strong record under Hansen, having previously defeated both Canada and France this year.

Why it matters:This victory reinforces England's status as a top-tier force in women's rugby while highlighting the increasing parity and physical intensity of the international game. By overcoming a resilient New Zealand side, the Red Roses demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to tactical challenges on the global stage.

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