At a glance

attempts at goal, compared to England’s 18.

‘‘I thought some of the basics, so not executing or not even getting the centre pass away and turnover of ball at certain times [was critical] and because of that they ended up getting the ball back and putting it through the hoop,’’ Taurua said.

‘‘There’s basic skill errors that are costly at certain times. Set strategies that aren’t working because we’re not committing fully to them. Coming up against Australia, we will find out whether we have progressed or not.’’

While unhappy with the Ferns’ secondhalf showing, where they were outscored 29-17, Taurua was pleased with how Maria Folau and the returning Ameliaranne Ekenasio went in the shooting end, converting 41/45 (91 per cent) as a duo.

Shooting hurt the Ferns in the Quad Series and Constellation Cup at the end of last year and Taurua said it was an encouraging sign. Getting Folau and Ekenasio greater opportunities to put the ball through the hoop was the challenge with England having 66 attempts for the game, compared to New Zealand’s 45.

‘‘I’m really happy with that, that both Mels [Ekenasio] and Ria [Folau] were able to do that and do their job. That’s really a pleasing aspect I suppose.’’

Ferns centurion and former skipper Casey Kopua also got through a full game in her return to the black dress. Kopua was playing her first international in 1171 days after last appearing in the 2015 Constellation Cup.

A plantar fascia foot injury thwarted Kopua’s comeback at the end of 2018, but she had her moments against England, picking up two intercepts, two rebounds, as well as several defensive tips. England 54 (Jo Harten: 27/32, Helen Housby: 25/31, Natalie Haythornthwaite 2/3) New Zealand 41 (Maria Folau: 28/31, Ameliaranne Ekenasio: 13/14) Quarter scores: 1Q: 13-12, HT: 25-24, 3Q: 40-30.