Red Roses Adjust Line‑up with Three New Faces for High‑Stakes Clash Against New Zealand

The England women's rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have made three alterations to their match‑day squad ahead of Saturday's pivotal encounter with the Black Ferns at Sydney's Allianz Stadium. Prop Sarah Bern, prop Mackenzie Carson and hooker Bryony Field have all been promoted into the starting fifteen, bringing fresh energy to a side that is eager to re‑assert its dominance on the world stage. In the front row, Bern and Carson will lock in alongside hooker Field, who is earning her second start of the season.

Their inclusion provides a blend of raw power and technical skill that the coaching staff believes will bolster the set‑piece against a New Zealand pack that has been in formidable form. At number eight, Maddie Feaunati returns to the lineup, prompting a positional shift for vice‑captain Alex Matthews, who will now operate as blind‑side flanker. This tactical adjustment is intended to give the back row greater mobility and defensive coverage, especially in the breakdown where the Black Ferns excel.

The second row remains unchanged with Morwenna Talling and Lilli Ives‑Campion continuing their partnership, while the back‑row slot is filled by Sadia Kabeya, completing a forward unit that blends experience with youthful vigor. The coaching team, led by John Mitchell, has emphasized that these changes are part of a broader strategy to deepen the squad’s depth and maintain momentum after a surprising draw against Canada. Mitchell reflected on the recent 26‑26 stalemate at Sandy Park, 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 exactly as it was for the Canada draw.

Half‑backs Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison will direct play from the 9 and 10 jerseys, while centre pairing Helena Rowland and captain Megan Jones will continue to provide the creative spark and defensive solidity that have been hallmarks of England’s attacking platform. On the wings, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald retains her place after scoring two tries at Sandy Park, and the outside backs Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach round out the back three, offering a combination of speed, power and finishing ability. Among the bench, seasoned internationals Natasha Hunt and Tatyana Heard have been re‑included, adding depth and experience to the forward reserves.

Emma Sing is set to make her debut in the WXV Global Series, marking a significant personal milestone and providing the coaching staff with an additional option in the back row. The atmosphere at Allianz Stadium is expected to be electric, with more than 50,000 supporters projected to fill the venue for the 34th meeting between the Red Roses and the Black Ferns. Historically, England have been formidable on home soil, remaining unbeaten in their last 53 matches at venues across the country since a narrow 20‑25 loss to New Zealand at the Twickenham Stoop in November 2016. Moreover, the Roses have won each of their last 13 fixtures at Allianz Stadium, a testament to their familiarity with the venue and the support of the home crowd.

Conversely, the Black Ferns have been equally impressive on the international circuit. Since the start of 2025, New Zealand have suffered only a single defeat in 17 games, underscoring their consistency and the challenge they pose to any opponent.

Their last victory over England came in the final of the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where they upset the tournament favourites and claimed the title. New Zealand’s head coach, Whitney Hansen, has also tweaked her lineup, recalling loose forward Kaipo Olsen‑Baker, winger Ayesha Leti‑I'iga and lock Laura Bayfield after a dominant 66‑14 win over Scotland. Hansen, daughter of former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, praised her squad, describing them as "made for these moments" as they aim to extend their run of seven consecutive Test wins 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 match will feature a clash of styles: England’s structured, forward‑driven approach versus New Zealand’s fluid, expansive game plan.

Both teams will look to exploit set‑piece dominance, with the Roses hoping Bern and Carson’s scrummaging power can neutralise the Black Ferns’ renowned front row, while the Ferns will rely on the athleticism of players like Leti‑I'iga to stretch the English defence. Key players to watch include England’s captain Megan Jones, whose leadership at centre will be crucial in organising the defensive line and creating attacking opportunities. For New Zealand, the experience of lock Laura Bayfield and the dynamism of wing Ayesha Leti‑I'iga could prove decisive, especially in open play where the Ferns thrive.

The detailed starting XV for England reads: 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 include May Campbell, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir, Abi Burton, Marlie Packer, Natasha Hunt, Tatyana Heard and Emma Sing.

New Zealand’s 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, with replacements Atlanta Lolohea, Maddison Robinson, Santo Taumata, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Layla Sae, Tara Turner, Justine McGregor and Alena Saili. The encounter promises to be a showcase of elite women's rugby, with both sides eager to cement their status as world leaders and provide a thrilling spectacle for the thousands of fans in attendance.