Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen praises courage of player who threw intercepted pass

Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen has praised centre Amy du Plessis' courage in chasing a win, rather than settle for a draw against world champions England on Sunday morning (NZT).

With the two teams locked at 19-all in the dying stages, the NZ women decided to attack from deep in their own half. Du Plessis lined up a long pass, but England's Zoe Harrison intercepted it and raced in for the winning try.

The Red Roses' 26-19 win leaves them unbeaten in their last 41 matches.

Hansen had no trouble at all with du Plessis' intent.

"We didn't want to go down as a draw," Hansen said on Sky Sport straight after the match. "We knew we were going to fight to the death and I love that she threw that pass."

Later, at the press conference, she expanded on her feelings.