World champions New Zealand, who won the opening two matches 29-10 and 14-9, outscored England four tries to one at ECOLight Stadium with Claire Richardson, Aroha Savage, Selica Winiata and Kendra Cocksedge going over for the hosts.
Rochelle Clark scored England’s solitary try on her 80th appearance at the start of the second half but it was not enough to deny New Zealand.
Like last week, when they led 6-0 at half-time before New Zealand hit back, England drew first blood when Katy McLean slotted over a sixth-minute penalty to make it 3-0.
However, New Zealand bounced back in style, scoring 17 unanswered points through tries from forwards Richardson and Savage, both of which were converted by Kelly Brazier who also added a penalty, to go into the break boasting a 14-point lead.
England refused to give up though and they reduced the gap to nine points when a good line-out and drive allowed prop Clark to crash over, although McLean could not add the extras.
With 35 minutes to go England still had hope of ending the series with a consolation win – and a first victory on New Zealand soil in 12 years – but the Black Ferns slammed that door shut when Winiata finished off a fine backline move to make it 22-8.
England then lost Harriet Millar-Mills to the sin bin and New Zealand, as they have done in all three games, finished strongly with Cocksedge going over for an injury-time try that she also converted to complete the scoring.
Rugby - England women slump to New Zealand whitewash
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