ENGLAND Women registered a much-im-proved performance against the reigning world champions, New Zealand's Black Ferns, but still lost 24-15 at Hamilton's Waikato Stadium.

Tackling errors let England down in the first-half, but the tourists' team, containg Jo Yapp and Kim Shaylor from Worcester, came out firing after the restart with some inspired play which stopped the Ferns in their tracks.

Head coach Geoff Richards was left satisfied with the performance following their disappointing first Test 33-8 defeat last week.

He said: "We still have a long way to go but today was certainly a step up. We have come a long way in four days so we are pleased."

Black Ferns centre Hannah Myers converted an early penalty, but England drew level with Saracens' Karen Andrew matching her effort.

England then steam-rolled ahead when some great handling in the backs gave Saracens lock Maggie Alphonsi the opportunity to dive over the line and take the tourists 8-3 up.

But the Black Ferns bounced back in magnificent style with the impressive Myers snatching a converted try. The Auckland player was soon followed on the score board by tries from wing Piki Solomon and full-back Amiria Marsh. Both scores were converted by Myers, handing the home side a 24-8 lead at half-time.

Wasps centre Amy Turner took a knock after the restart and was replaced by Worcester's Alice Richardson.

England went on the attack and when Turner returned she made an immediate impact, storming over for a superb touchdown. Andrew added the conversion.

England captain Yapp said: "Iin the second-half we really had to dig deep. After Saturday's defeat we were so annoyed and frustrated with the way we played, so it is good that we have gone some way to rectify the result.

"It would have been nice to get a win, but we have learnt a lot on this tour about what we need to do ahead of the Rugby World Cup."