The Black Ferns proved too dominant for this developing England side, running in two tries while the experienced Kendra Cocksedge kicked 16 points.

England, who had beaten the USA 39-13 on Saturday, started well with powerful No. 8 Alexandra Matthews claiming the first try of the day on 16 minutes after wing Lydia Thompson set her up for a break, which Emily Scarratt converted putting England 6-7 ahead after two earlier Cocksedge penalties.

New Zealand responded well and soon capitalised with a strong line-out and drive. England held firm until a missed tackle saw fly-half Victoria Subritski-Nafatali sneak through and score under the posts. Cocksedge made easy work of the conversion before adding a third penalty just before half-time handing the Black Ferns a 16-7 lead.

After the break, the fierce battle continued between these two rivals. In a very close game, both sides squandered opportunities close to the try line but in the end New Zealand were the more savvy and edged further ahead with another Cocksedge penalty.

In the final minutes, matters then worsened for England with fullback Selica Winiata running in for a last-gasp try thanks to some good work by fly-half Subritski-Nafatali. Cocksedge added the extras to make the final score 26-7.

Head Coach Simon Middleton, whose side will now take on hosts Canada in the final game of the Rugby Super Series on Sunday, said: “We played with enormous energy and enthusiasm but our execution and composure were not where they needed to be and the Black Ferns showed a ruthless touch on the opportunities we gave them.”

“However, we came here to find out about individuals and the team and there’s nothing like a defeat followed by a short turn around to challenge players both mentally and physically so we will regroup and prepare for what will be another huge Test match versus Canada.”

England

15 Sarah McKenna (Saracens)

14 Kay Wilson (Thurrock)

13 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield) VC

12 Amber Reed (Bristol)

11 Lydia Thompson (Worcester)

10 Megan Jones (Bristol)

9 Leanne Riley (Saracens)

1 Rochelle Clark (Worcester)

2 Victoria Fleetwood (Saracens)

3 Justine Lucas (Lichfield)

4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

5 Abbie Scott (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield) C

7 Marlie Packer (Wasps)

8 Alexandra Matthews (Richmond)

Replacements:

16 Vicky Cornborough (Richmond)

17 Laura Keates (Worcester)

18 Amy Cokayne (Lichfield)

19 Heather Fisher (Thurrock)

20 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)

21 Bianca Blackburn (Worcester)

22 Emily Scott (Thurrock)

23 Ceri Large (Worcester)

Tries: Matthews

Conversions: Scarratt

Substitutions: Fisher for Packer (25), Scott for Jones (40), Keates for Lucas (60), Cokayne for Fleetwood (60), Cornborough for Clark (60), Large for Reed (60), Burnfield for Hunter (70), Blackburn for Riley (70)

Rugby Super Series Fixtures

27 June 2015

England 39-13 USA

Canada 22-40 New Zealand

Calgary Rugby Park

1 July 2015

England 7-26 NZ

Canada 28-36 USA

Red Deer Titans Park

5 July July 2015

New Zealand v USA, KO 11pm BST

England v Canada, 1.30am BST (July 6)

Ellerslie Rugby Park, Edmonton

All matches can be watched live here  

Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter will captain a young England side that includes two players, Lark Davies and Rachael Lund, who could make their England debuts if called off the bench. Amy Cockayne, Abbie Scott and Bianca Blackburn will also get the chance to get more caps under their belts after making their first England starts in this season’s Six Nations.

At the other end of the scale, Rochelle Clark will become England Women’s most capped player of all time with 101 caps if she comes off the bench. Hunter is joined by fellow World Cup winners Laura Keates, Marlie Packer, Ceri Large, Amber Reed and Kay Wilson in the starting line-up.

Middleton, who heads to Canada also with a new coaching line-up in Scott Bemand and Matt Ferguson, said: “Given the tight turnaround of games in this tournament, and the fact that several of the players were involved in the Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix this month, squad rotation is going to be key. This is a really intense tournament against world class opposition so we need to ensure the players are fit and ready for each Test.”

“For this game, Sarah’s experience will be invaluable in leading the team while I am really excited to see how Emily Scott goes at fly-half and Ceri Large at centre. We have two new caps on the bench who I know have the potential to make a real impression while Rochelle will relish getting the chance to secure 101 caps.”

“We haven’t played the USA for some time but we know they will bring a lot of physicality, pace, energy and enthusiasm. This is going to be a tough opening Test match.”

England

15 Sarah McKenna (Saracens)

14 Kay Wilson (Thurrock)

13 Amber Reed (Bristol) VC

12 Ceri Large (Worcester)

11 Katie Mason (Bristol)

10 Emily Scott (Thurrock)

9 Bianca Blackburn (Worcester)

1 Vicky Cornborough (Richmond)

2 Amy Cockayne (Lichfield)

3 Laura Keates (Worcester)

4 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)

5 Abbie Scott (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

6 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens)

7 Marlie Packer (Wasps)

8 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield) C

Replacements:

16 Rochelle Clark (Worcester)

17 Lark Davis (Worcester)

18 Justine Lucas (Lichfield)

19 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

20 Alexandra Matthews (Richmond)

21 Leanne Riley (Saracens)

22 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)

23 Rachel Lund (Worcester)

Rugby Super Series Fixtures

27 June 2015

England v USA, KO 11pm BST

Canada v NZ, KO 1.30am BST (June 28)

Calgary Rugby Park

1 July 2015

England v NZ, KO 11pm BST

Canada v USA, KO 1.30am BST (July 2)

Red Deer Titans Park

5 July 2015

New Zealand v USA, KO 11pm BST

England v Canada, 1.30am BST (July 6)

Ellerslie Rugby Park, Edmonton

All matches can be watched live here.