England Women ready for Black Ferns

England Women kicked off their autumn international campaign with a hard-fought 23-13 win against France on Saturday.

Tries from Ruth Laybourn, newcomer Joanne Watmore and Fiona Davidson secured the victory, with another newcomer, Amber Reed, marking her first appearance for the national side by knocking over two penalties and a conversion.

The win raises hopes of revenge in the three-match Test series against the world champions, New Zealand, which will get under way at Esher on 23 November. The Black Ferns have beaten England in the last three World Cup finals.