A third-quarter collapse has seen the Silver Ferns slump to a 54-41 defeat against England in their first match of 2019 in their Quad Series opener in Liverpool on Monday (NZ time).
Trailing England 25-24 at the halftime break, the Ferns were limited to just six goals, when the Roses came out firing to score 15 of their own in the third quarter. New Zealand never recovered at M&S Bank Arena - the venue for the upcoming Netball World Cup.
The 13-point win equals England's' biggest win over New Zealand - a record they set the last time the two teams met. On top of that, it's England's fourth straight win over the Ferns.
The first half was close, with England holding a one-goal lead at the end of the first (13-12) and second quarters (25-24).
Then things went downhill, as costly errors on both attack and defence cost Noeline Taurua's side.
Things went from bad to worse in the final quarter, when defender Karin Burger was sin-binned for being too physical and the Ferns were forced to play with six players for two minutes.
Vice-captain Casey Kopua played her first test in the black dress in 1171 days, since last appearing in October 2015 against Australia, while mid-courter Kimiora Poi and defender Erena Mikaere both made their debuts in the defeat.
New Zealand finished with better shooting stats - 41/45 (91 percent) compared to England's 54/66 (82 percent).
The Silver Ferns will need to improve as they face Australia in their next match in London on Sunday. Australia beat South Africa 62-45 earlier in the day.
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)
Newshub.
