Commonwealth Games champions England have proven too accurate and consistent for Noeline Taurua's new‑look Silver Ferns, winning their Quad Series opener in Auckland 52‑39 in their biggest‑ever victory over New Zealand.
The New Zealanders, boosted by the return of key midcourter Laura Langman after a two‑year absence, started slowly and England jumped out to a 13‑8 lead at the end of the first quarter.
But the Ferns fought back to take the second spell 13‑9 and cut back England's lead to just one at the main break.
Earlier, world champions Australia downed South Africa 61‑44 in their first match since losing the Commonwealth Games final to England in April.
The Quad Series now moves to Tauranga, where the Silver Ferns will play South Africa on Tuesday before travelling to Melbourne where they tackle Australia on September 23.
[Source: RNZ]
