Rugby: 'Soul searching' for beaten Black Ferns

Margaret Alphonsi of England dives over to score a try during the Women's Rugby Union International match. Photo / Getty Images

The Black Ferns have only two days to turn around a disappointing loss to England at Twickenham, with coach Grant Hansen saying much of that time will be taken up with "soul searching".

England shut out the Black Ferns 10-0 in a tight match played after the Wallabies had demolished the Barbarians 60-11 at the famous old ground.

It was only the Black Ferns' fourth loss in 59 tests since 1990. England are responsible for three of those defeats, with the United States victorious in the other.

A lack of match fitness among the New Zealanders was alarmingly exposed by an England side which has played 10 games together this year. By contrast, the Black Ferns have played no rugby since the end of the NPC three months ago.

This was their first test of the year, and the second is only days away - at Esher Rugby Club in Surrey on Tuesday night (UK time).

Coach Grant Hansen said soul searching and video analysis will be priorities in the next few days, with the majority of his players battered and bruised after having to make so many tackles against a dominant England.

He won't find re-watching England's first-half try to flanker Maggie Alphonsi a pleasant experience, coming as it did from a lineout and a break by centre Emily Scarratt. While it was a well-executed planned move, several Black Ferns made a hash of tackling the strong-running Scarratt, who should never have been given the time and space to release Alphonsi.

A well-taken drop goal by Katy McLean, who had converted the try, sealed the victory mid-way through the second half.

"We're disappointed we didn't play the rugby we're capable of," Hansen said. "England were well drilled and played very well."

Hansen said a lack of match fitness and combinations were a factor in the defeat, but expectations were high going into the match.

"Absolutely," he said. "When you have the two best sides in the world locking horns, I would expect the girls to pick each other up and be more than competitive."

A consequence of a lack of fitness was the Black Ferns' inability to compete at the breakdown. However, the scrum operated well, with prop Mel Bosman putting in an impressive performance in the set piece. She was "very solid" Hansen said. Centre Kelly Brazier caught the eye in the backline.

It was the first time the two sides had met since the Black Ferns defeated England 13-10 in the 2010 women's rugby World Cup final. The Black Ferns are the four-time world champions but it is clear that a lack of a consistent test programme is allowing other countries to catch up.

In the starting XV, Auckland lock Eloise Blackwell and Wellington winger Shakira Baker earned their first test caps, while Canterbury's Amanda Murphy made her debut at blindside flanker.

The third and final test of the series is at Esher Rugby Club next Saturday.