The England women's rugby side, known as the Red Roses, have made three alterations to their starting XV for the pivotal clash against the Black Ferns at Sydney's Allianz Stadium this Saturday. Front‑row prop Sarah Bern and fellow prop Mackenzie Carson will both line up in the front row, joining hooker Bryony Field, who earns her second start of the campaign. In the back row, veteran No. 8 Maddie Feaunati returns to the lineup, prompting a shift for vice‑captain Alex Matthews, who will move from the No.
8 role to blind‑side flanker. This reshuffle aims to bolster the pack’s balance and give the coaching staff more tactical flexibility as they prepare to face a New Zealand side that has been in scintillating form. Continuing their presence in the second row are Morwenna Talling and Lilli Ives‑Campion, both of whom have cemented their places with solid line‑out work and relentless work‑rate. The back‑row also features Sadia Kabeya, completing a forward unit that blends experience with youthful vigor.
The changes in the forwards are intended to sharpen the breakdown, improve ball security, and provide fresh legs for the high‑intensity contest that is expected at Allianz Stadium. The backline will remain untouched from the side that drew 26‑26 with Canada at Sandy Park last weekend, a match that ended the Red Roses' extraordinary 39‑match winning streak. Scrum‑half Lucy Packer and fly‑half Zoe Harrison will again steer the attack, while centre partnership captain Megan Jones and Helena Rowland will provide the creative spark and defensive solidity in the midfield. On the wings, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, who impressed with a brace of tries at Sandy Park, retains her berth, and the outside backs Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach round out the three‑quarter line.
Among the bench, seasoned internationals Natasha Hunt and Tatyana Heard have been recalled to the 23‑man squad, offering depth in both the forward and back divisions. Emma Sing, a promising talent from Gloucester‑Hartpury, will make her debut appearance in the WXV Global Series, reflecting England’s commitment to integrating emerging players into the senior set‑up.
The atmosphere at Allianz Stadium is expected to be electric, with more than 50,000 supporters projected to fill the venue for the 34th encounter between England and New Zealand. The Red Roses have been formidable on home soil, remaining unbeaten in their last 53 matches at English venues since a narrow 20‑25 defeat to the Black Ferns at the Twickenham Stoop in November 2016. Moreover, they have won each of their last 13 fixtures at Allianz Stadium, underscoring the venue’s status as a fortress for England.
Conversely, the Black Ferns have been equally impressive abroad, losing only one of their 17 games since the start of 2025, which sets the stage for a truly high‑stakes contest. Head coach John Mitchell, reflecting on the recent draw with Canada, said: "We are 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." Mitchell’s comments highlight the strategic importance of the match: it is not merely a test of skill but also a benchmark for England’s progress as they rebuild after the end of their historic winning run. New Zealand, the reigning world champions, will field a side that blends experience with fresh talent.
Head coach Whitney Hansen has recalled loose forward Kaipo Olsen‑Baker, winger Ayesha Leti‑I'iga, and lock Laura Bayfield following their dominant 66‑14 victory over Scotland. Hansen, daughter of former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, described her squad as "made for these moments" as they aim to extend a seven‑match winning streak in test rugby this year.
She added, "We've continued to grow each week and we're excited to put our rugby identity to the test against England." The Black Ferns' starting XV features Braxton Sorensen‑McGee at fullback, Mererangi Paul and Logo‑I‑Pulotu Brunt on the wings, and a midfield of Amy Du Plessis and Ayesha Leti‑I'iga. The half‑back pairing of Hannah King at fly‑half and Maia Joseph at scrum‑half will direct the attack, while the forward pack includes captain Georgian Ponsonby in the front row, lock Laura Bayfield, and the versatile Kaipo Olsen‑Baker at No.
8. The depth on the bench, with players such as Atlanta Lolohea and Maddison Robinson, provides New Zealand with several options to alter the dynamics of the game should the need arise. Both teams arrive with distinct narratives.
England, after a historic run of victories, are eager to prove that the draw with Canada was a temporary setback rather than a sign of decline. Their recent squad adjustments aim to inject fresh energy and address specific tactical areas identified by the coaching staff, such as breakdown efficiency and line‑out variation. New Zealand, on the other hand, are looking to reaffirm their dominance on the world stage after a strong start to the season, and they will be keen to exploit any lapses in England’s defensive structure. The match promises to be a showcase of contrasting styles: England’s structured, forward‑driven approach versus New Zealand’s fluid, expansive play.
Key battles will likely emerge around the breakdown, where England’s revamped back‑row will test the Black Ferns’ quick recycling, and in the backline, where the creativity of Zoe Harrison and Megan Jones will be matched against the speed and power of Ayesha Leti‑I'iga and the Black Ferns’ back three. Beyond the on‑field tactics, the fixture carries broader significance for women's rugby.
It highlights the growing popularity and commercial viability of the sport, with a massive crowd expected at a premier stadium and extensive media coverage across multiple platforms. The WXV Global Series continues to elevate the profile of women's international rugby, providing players with a platform to inspire the next generation.
In summary, the Red Roses have introduced three strategic changes to their lineup, aiming to sharpen their forward play and maintain the continuity of a potent backline that proved its mettle against Canada. The Black Ferns, bolstered by returning talent and a recent emphatic win over Scotland, will be eager to continue their ascent. With a historic rivalry, a massive audience, and both sides seeking to cement their status among the world’s elite, Saturday’s clash at Allianz Stadium is set to be a landmark event in women’s rugby. England starting XV: 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).