The contest was the latest in a series of thrilling matches between the Roses and Silver Ferns, who earned a place in the final after both teams lost to 12-time world champions Australia in London last weekend. Both teams knew they had to win. .
England won last year's World Cup semi-final, preventing New Zealand from reaching the final for the first time in the tournament's history, but then the Silver Ferns won three close games 2-1. Home ground in September.
Head coach Jess Thirlby selected a youthful side for that series, but England's experienced players and the return of New Zealand's prolific shooter Grace Nweke, who was injured for much of last year, meant it was a close contest. became.
England attacked from the blocks and it took three and a half minutes for the Silver Ferns to score. At that point, the Roses held a five-point lead thanks to some excellent defending from Razia Quashie, who is playing for England in the tournament. First time since 2020.
However, sloppy behavior from both teams led to a chaotic atmosphere in the match, much to the amusement of the lively Leeds crowd. Eventually, the Silver Ferns were within reach again and went into half-time with a one-goal lead.
England had their moments of brilliance – Fran Williams executed a perfect long-range pass to find Eleanor Cardwell under the posts, while Helen Housby was on hand in what was a great tournament for the 29-year-old. He continued to lead from the front.
What worried the partisan crowd was Thirlby's mid-court star Imogen Allison, who left the court with an injury in the second period and looked a little uncomfortable on the bench.
However, her replacement Elly Latu, making his ninth appearance for England, put pressure on New Zealand's powerful attack, led by Nweke, who converted 47 of his 50 attempts, to realize his potential. Indicated.
With New Zealand narrowing the gap to one point with just a few minutes remaining, the benches of both teams stood together for the remaining 15 minutes, shouting encouragement and instructions.
But with Alisson back on court, England were poised to secure a resounding victory, albeit with a heavily restricted leg.
Earlier on Saturday, Australia, who had already secured a place in the finals with two wins in London last week, faced Uganda for the first time in their history and won 63-49.
After New Zealand face Uganda in the third play-off, they will face England in a rematch of the World Cup final on Sunday at 16:15 GMT.