Jess Breach scored a hat-trick as England women’s rugby team cruised to a 49-31 victory over New Zealand, securing a dominant nine-try win in their second WXV match at the Langley Event Centre in Canada.

The Red Roses, ranked as the world’s number one side, overcame a sluggish start to dispatch the Black Ferns and send a strong message ahead of next year’s home World Cup.

New Zealand, having suffered a shocking last-minute 29-27 defeat to Ireland in their opening game of the tournament in Vancouver, began brightly with number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker driving over the line. However, England swiftly responded with a well-taken finish from winger Abby Dow.

Breach’s first try then put John Mitchell’s side ahead 12-7 after 20 minutes, and England soon capitalised on a knock-on by Maia Joseph, allowing Ellie Kildunne to sprint away from the scrum for another try.

New Zealand struck back when the ball was recycled to winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga, with a successful conversion reducing England’s lead to just five points. But Kildunne squeezed over in the corner just before half-time, restoring England's advantage to 22-12.

England, who began their WXV campaign with a 61-21 win over the United States, started the second half strongly. Kildunne set up Dow for her second try in the 44th minute, and Natasha Hunt charged down a kick to score, extending England’s lead to 34-12.

Breach completed England’s seventh try after a flowing move following a line-out on the left. However, New Zealand rallied again as hooker Georgia Ponsonby powered over, with Hannah King converting to narrow the gap.

Olsen-Baker’s powerful run then set up Maia Roos to score another try for New Zealand, reducing the deficit to 39-24.

Breach, however, eased any mounting pressure by collecting a pass from Holly Aitchison and sprinting into the corner for her hat-trick. Replacement Zoe Harrison added a further try with three minutes remaining after Kildunne was held up on the line, before Maama Vaipulu scored a late consolation for the struggling Black Ferns.

England, who also defeated New Zealand at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in September, extended their remarkable winning streak to 19 matches. They will now face Canada in a title decider at BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, on 12th October.