Black Ferns thump England A

The New Zealand women's rugby team warmed up for this weekend's second test against England with a 48-3 thumping of England A this morning (NZT).

Playing at Esher, near London, the Black Ferns did not waste any time making their mark, scoring a try after just one minute.

A good scrum inside England's 22m saw halfback Kendra Cocksedge break and find space to score. Anika Tiplady added the conversion.

A penalty by halfback La Toya Mason reduced the deficit and England A, with some good work in the contact areas and strong scrummaging began to pressure New Zealand.

The Ferns defence held them out and their attack began to dominate after England lost lock Natalie Binstead to the sinbin after 22 minutes.

Slick passing saw Ferns winger Carla Hohepa crossing for an unconverted try while England were a player short.

Hohepa scored her second try just before the break at the end of a similar move and Tiplady converted for a 19-3 halftime lead.

New Zealand continued the second half in the same vein with another impressive start, scoring an early try through prop Beth Mallard who muscled over from close in.

Cocksedge was sinbinned but England could not take advantage and Tiplady stroked over a penalty after 55 minutes to make the score 27-3.

With England tiring, New Zealand piled the points on with tries to Huriana Manuel, Tiplady and replacement Kelly Brazier who dotted down with a minute to go.

New Zealand won last weekend's first test 16-3. The second test will be the curtain raiser for the match between the All Blacks and England on Sunday morning (NZT).

New Zealand 48 (Carla Hohepa 2, Kendra Cocksedge, Beth Mallard, Huriana Manuel, Anika Tiplady, Kelly Brazier tries; Tiplady pen, 5 con) England A 3 (La Toya Mason pen). Halftime: 19-3.

- NZPA