The England netballers have beaten the Silver Ferns 42-38 in the Rotorua in the first of two Tests.
The New Zealand shooters struggled against the English defenders Geva Mentor and Eboni Beckford-Chambers.
England's Geva Mentor and Silver Fern Bailey Mes clash in Rotorua in 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Bailey Mes shot 25 from 35 and Jodi Brown six from 13.
England led by five points at quarter-time and seven at three-quarter time and although the Ferns fought back it wasn't enough as the tourists scored just their fourth ever win over New Zealand in 83 Tests.
Coach Waimarama Taumaunu started the same lineup that performed well in the last Test against Australia, but after a spluttering start she made changes in the second half with Ameliaranne Wells, Kayla Cullen and Liana Leota all getting valuable game time.
England's Geva Mentor and Silver Fern Bailey Mes clash in Rotorua in 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Leota formed a potent combination with Laura Langman on attack, added speed helping the New Zealanders get some much needed impetus as the home team went on their own scoring streak.
A run of six unanswered goals brought the Silver Ferns to within one before England replied with their own strong surge to regain the initiative.
The second and final Test is in Palmerston North on Friday night.
