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<\/p>\nEngland defeated New Zealand 33-12 in Auckland <\/p>\n
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England won the inaugural WXV title with a 33-12 victory over New Zealand in Auckland.<\/p>\n
A year after a heartbreaking loss to the same side in the World Cup final, the Red Roses claimed a comprehensive win in the new international team competition.<\/p>\n
England made the perfect start with Alex Matthews grabbing the first of five tries in the fourth minute, and the lead was soon increased by a second for Lark Atkin-Davies.<\/p>\n
They crossed for a third in the 23rd minute, a simple finish from Sarah Bern, before Ellie Kildunne was denied when replays showed her foot in touch before she went over.<\/p>\n
New Zealand got on the board two minutes before half-time, Kennedy Simon scoring their first try, and a second in the 49th minute from Katelyn Vahaakolo fuelled hopes of a comeback from the hosts as they made it 19-12.<\/p>\n
But Morwenna Talling finished off a period of England pressure with a fourth try and Zoe Aldcroft made sure of the victory before the unlucky Kildunne had another effort chalked off.<\/p>\n
Following the match, England captain Marlie Packer was named the 2023 World Rugby Women\u2019s 15s Player of the Year for her all-round displays, including a world-leading 11 tries.<\/p>\n
There were seven England players named in the dream team, with Packer joined by Atkin-Davies, Bern, Aldcroft, Matthews, Abby Dow and Kildunne.<\/p>\n