England's forwards test the black line, only six or seven metres out. England are patient, testing for weaknesses and moving a few inches at a time...

Some running repairs needed for flanker Kennedy Tukuafu so a stoppage and some Ed Sheeran pumped into the stadium. You can't have it all.

We play on. England scrum.

This is about as far from a rain-sodden Six Nations scrum fest as you can possibly get. The ball is being played so quickly and is in play the whole time.

Black Ferns 15 Renee Holmes does decide to boot it out from under her own posts and it's brilliantly charged down. More pressure.

England are happy to play in their own 22, whipping the ball across the pitch beautifully. They carry the ball down the left and then come the other way, eating up yards.

Alex Matthews then dives through a gap and just needs support - but her pass inside goes to a black shirt.

This is exhilirating stuff from both sides!

Great chance for the Black Ferns! Ayesha Leti-I'iga kicks the ball from in hand and England full-back Ellie Kildunne is in a world of trouble. Slyvia Brunt just needs to gather cleanly and she's in - but she can't.

Bewitched by the spin, like the Leeds goalkeeper the other night...

England have had ball in hand for about 5% of the half but are so clinical.

England revert to a bit of a kicking match and it pays off, Hannah King loses the ball in contact and that's a scrum for the Red Roses.

England are under the pump! You can watch the match here.

That was a brutal exam. England's defence is superb to absorb wave after wave of attacks but it comes back for a penalty eventually.

The Black Ferns are going for a scrum just a few metres out.

Great tempo to this start from New Zealand. Ruahei Demant and captain Kennedy Tukuafu both punch holes in the white line. This is a real test!

Ayesha Leti-I'iga steals the ball back for NZ in the first contact of the whole game. Instant turnover! The Black Ferns spread the ball out left and threaten in the corner but England rally well to recover and win the ball back.

Renee Holmes the NZ full-back drop kicks into the sunny sky and we are under way!

Haka time! What a sight. It never fails to inspire, England face it down at a respectful distance.

Image source, Getty Images

Think I'd have to give the anthem to NZ there. Pure passion.

Here come the players! Looks a beautiful afternoon in Canada.

Image source, Getty Images

Hannah Botterman returns to a refreshed front row tonight to win her 50th cap and will play alongside hooker Amy Cokayne and Maud Muir.

Image source, Getty Images

England's winning run is now up to 18 matches, which dates back to their defeat by New Zealand in that World Cup final in November 2022 – a loss that ended their record run of 30 consecutive Test victories.

They are winning machines.