The England women's rugby side, known as the Red Roses, have announced three alterations to their starting XV for the highly anticipated showdown against the Black Ferns at Sydney's Allianz Stadium this Saturday. Front‑row prop Sarah Bern and fellow prop Mackenzie Carson will both take the field in the tight five, joining hooker Bryony Field, who earns her second start of the campaign. In the back row, veteran number eight Maddie Feaunati returns to the squad, prompting a positional shift for vice‑captain Alex Matthews, who will now line up as blindside flanker. The second row remains stable with Morwenna Talling and Lilli Ives Campion retaining their places, while the back‑row unit is completed by Sadia Kabeya, giving England a balanced mix of power and mobility.
These changes come on the heels of a dramatic end to the Red Roses' extraordinary 39‑match winning streak, which was halted by a 26‑26 draw against Canada at Sandy Park last week. Head coach John Mitchell reflected on the setback, noting, "We're moving forward in the right direction while building depth in our cover. Now we look forward to renewing a rivalry with a New Zealand side we haven't played since 2024. They are playing good rugby at the moment and it's no surprise to see them raise their standards.
Test matches against the best teams in the world are what we relish and look forward to, especially at Allianz Stadium." The backline will stay unchanged from the team that faced Canada, with half‑backs Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison orchestrating the attack, while centre partnership Helena Rowland and captain Megan Jones provide a solid defensive wall and creative spark. Wing Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, who scored two tries at Sandy Park, retains her place, and the back three also features Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach, both of whom bring pace and finishing ability. On the bench, experienced forwards Natasha Hunt and Tatyana Heard have been recalled to the 23‑man matchday squad, and promising youngster Emma Sing is set to make her debut in the WXV Global Series.
Allianz Stadium is expected to host more than 50,000 fans for the 34th encounter between the Red Roses and the Black Ferns, underscoring the growing popularity of women's rugby in the Southern Hemisphere. England have been unbeaten in their last 53 home matches since a narrow 20‑25 loss to New Zealand at the Twickenham Stoop in November 2016, and they have won each of their last 13 games at Allianz Stadium. Conversely, New Zealand have been formidable away from home, dropping only one of their 17 fixtures since the start of 2025.
The announced England starting XV is as follows: 15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears), 14 Jess Breach (Saracens), 13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women), 12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), 11 Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), 10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens), 9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins); 1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester‑Hartpury), 2 Bryony Field (Saracens), 3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears), 4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks), 5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning), 6 Alex Matthews (Gloucester‑Hartpury), 7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), 8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs). Replacements: 16 May Campbell (Saracens), 17 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears), 18 Maud Muir (Gloucester‑Hartpury), 19 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women), 20 Marlie Packer (Harlequins), 21 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester‑Hartpury), 22 Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks), 23 Emma Sing (Gloucester‑Hartpury).
New Zealand, the last side to defeat England in a major final – having upset the Roses in the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup final – arrive with a refreshed squad under head coach Whitney Hansen. The Black Ferns have reinstated loose forward Kaipo Olsen‑Baker, winger Ayesha Leti‑I'iga, and lock Laura Bayfield after a dominant 66‑14 victory over Scotland in their most recent test. Hansen, daughter of former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, praised her players as "made for these moments" and emphasized the team’s desire to extend their current run of seven consecutive test wins.
The New Zealand starting lineup features: 15 Braxton Sorensen‑McGee, 14 Mererangi Paul, 13 Logo‑I‑Pulotu Brunt, 12 Amy Du Plessis, 11 Ayesha Leti‑I'iga; 10 Hannah King, 9 Maia Joseph; 1 Chryss Viliko, 2 Georgian Ponsonby (captain), 3 Veisinia Mahutariki‑Fakalelu, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5 Laura Bayfield, 6 Liana Mikaele‑Tu'u, 7 Elinor‑Plum King, 8 Kaipo Olsen‑Baker. Replacements: 16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Maddison Robinson, 18 Santo Taumata, 19 Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, 20 Layla Sae, 21 Tara Turner, 22 Justine McGregor, 23 Alena Saili.
Both coaches have highlighted the significance of the match beyond the immediate result. Mitchell sees the game as a benchmark for England’s progress and a chance to test the depth he has been cultivating across the squad. Hansen, meanwhile, aims to cement New Zealand’s reputation as the benchmark for women's rugby, using the match to refine her team's identity and resilience under pressure. Beyond the tactical battles, the fixture represents a cultural milestone.
The massive attendance at Allianz Stadium reflects a broader shift toward greater visibility and investment in women's sport, with broadcasters, sponsors, and fans all converging to celebrate the highest level of women's rugby. The match will be streamed live on major platforms, and fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback.
In summary, the Red Roses have made three strategic tweaks to their side, bringing fresh energy to the forward pack while maintaining a stable backline that delivered a strong performance against Canada. The Black Ferns, bolstered by returning stars and a confident coach, will look to continue their impressive overseas record.
With over 50,000 spectators expected, the stage is set for a thrilling contest that could shape the trajectory of both teams in the remainder of the WXV Global Series.