England defeated rivals South Africa with a 49-38 win in the opening game of their three-Test series in Bath.
The home side started slowley but edged into a 22-20 half-time lead. And as England began to settle, shooter Pamela Cookey extended their lead.
Head coach Anna Mayes told Sky Sports: "A win's a win, but I'm disappointed with the up and down nature of our performance."
