John Mitchell's England Red Roses extended their record 39-game winning streak with a 26-19 victory over New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, despite facing jeepathy that hadn't been felt for years. The win came after a dramatic finish where Zoe Harrison redeemed a late penalty miss by snatching an intercept try in overtime. England's unbeaten run had been halted only weeks earlier by Canada in a 26-26 draw at Sandy Park.

Mitchell acknowledged the WXV Global Series provides new opportunities despite no trophy, but losing was never part of the long-term development plan. The Red Roses now turn their attention to Canada for their next test. New Zealand, world number two under Whitney Hansen, remain the last team to defeat England at the 2022 World Cup final.

The 2026-2028 WXV Global Series features the world's top 12 teams, designed to provide more competitive matches before the 2029 World Cup. England have already faced the world's second and third-ranked sides and now travel to Canada to complete their three-Test series against the World Cup runners-up.