New Zealand have beaten England in five World Cup finals and were once the undisputed number one team in the world.
That dominance has faded in recent years, particularly after their failure to reach last year’s World Cup final.
Despite a fourth straight defeat by the Red Roses, it is clear under Hansen that the Black Ferns are trending in the right direction.
That comes after increased investment in the domestic game, with Super Rugby Aupiki operating as a fully professional, full-time competition for the first time this year.
“We didn’t want a draw,” New Zealand head coach Whitney Hansen said.
“After watching last week [against Canada], we knew we were going to fight to the death, so I love that she threw that pass.
“I think for us, win or lose, we’re about our performance. We’ve talked heaps about what does great look like – where have we achieved that and where haven’t we?”
Next year, the British and Irish Lions women’s team will tour New Zealand for the first time.
A competitive series is essential to the success of the tour.
Prior to last year’s epic finale at Allianz Stadium, England – likely to make up a large portion of the Lions squad – comfortably beat New Zealand 49-31 in their most recent meeting in 2024.
“People are starting to realise the context we are in. Even if we had lost, we were right up there,” Mitchell added.
“New Zealand are in a really great position for the Lions series and heading in the right direction for the [2027] World Cup. We are also evolving [as a team].”
Blowing away every team comfortably or being pushed to the limit to win a Test – which would England prefer?
“This is what living feels like,” Jones declared.
Games in October against Toronto and Ottawa, with the series perfectly poised at 1-1, should give them those feelings again.
This was only the third game of the season for Mitchell’s players, but being pushed all the way is something that he and his side are loving and embracing.
Despite all that, an undefeated run spanning four years has been extended further.
If only just.