Since beating England in a dramatic World Cup final in 2022, New Zealand have twice lost to Mitchell's side - most recently in a warm-up game before WXV at Twickenhams Allianz Stadium last month.

The world champions started that game fast but failed to convert any early momentum into points. That mistake did not repeat itself as Olsen-Baker bundled over Hunt to reward a positive decision to go for the scrum rather than taking the points in front of the posts.

Dow scored a brilliant solo try in that Allianz match in September and again showed the world champions why they cannot afford to give her space and time, fending off Renee Holmes to score in the corner.

One of the clear contrasts in the style of play from former coach Simon Middleton is an effort to play expansively, with the aim to get Englands lethal back three on the ball more.

"When the girls are on it, they are on it. They are a very special group and for large parts of that game they were on it," Mitchell said.

"We have a responsibility and standard around our last pass, so it was really good to see that executed today."

That contrast of styles continues to sharpen and after a routine finish in the corner for Breach the ball was quickly swung out to Kildunne, who got on the outside of the defence to race clear and extend her lead as the top try-scorer in Test rugby to 13.

During the Six Nations and the nine-try opening WXV1 victory over the United States the new attacking framework was clear, but handling errors prevented the style from properly taking off.

England were more clinical here, as slick hands released Dow down the right wing to score early in the second half, before she turned provider after again breaking clear to set up her wing partner Breach.

The hat-trick try for Breach all but put the game out of sight for New Zealand, and capped off a fine display for the winger.

"We are no longer just a forward pack or a backline, we leaked a few tries as well, but that wasn't through a lack of intent and we will just look to score more if people score against us," Mitchell said.

"It is up to the girls to back themselves to have a crack, there are times it won't come off. I like how the whole team took responsibility today, especially the back three with their last pass."