The England women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have announced three alterations to their starting XV for the high‑stakes clash with the Black Ferns at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday. Front‑row prop Sarah Bern, fellow prop Mackenzie Carson and hooker Bryony Field will all take the field, with Field earning her second start in the number two jersey. In the back row, veteran Maddie Feaunati returns to the number eight role, prompting a shift for vice‑captain Alex Matthews, who will now operate as blindside flanker. The second‑row partnership of Morwenna Talling and Lilli Ives‑Campion remains unchanged, while the back‑row also features the dynamic Sadia Kabeya, completing a pack that blends experience with youthful energy.
These adjustments come on the heels of a dramatic conclusion to the Red Roses’ historic 39‑match winning streak. Last weekend at Sandy Park, England were held to a 26‑26 draw by a resilient Canadian side, ending the run in a nail‑biting fashion. Head coach John Mitchell reflected on the setback, stating, "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.
Scrum‑half Lucy Packer and fly‑half Zoe Harrison will direct the attack, while centre pair Helena Rowland and captain Megan Jones will provide the midfield stability England relies on. On the wing, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald retains her spot after crossing the line twice at Sandy Park, and the back three also includes prolific try‑scorer Ellie Kildunne and versatile full‑back Jess Breach.
Among the bench, seasoned campaigners Natasha Hunt and Tatyana Heard have been re‑included, and Gloucester‑Hartpury’s Emma Sing is set to make her debut in the WXV Global Series. The atmosphere at Allianz Stadium is expected to be electric, with more than 50,000 supporters anticipated for the 34th encounter between the Red Roses and the Black Ferns. England boast an unbeaten record in their last 53 matches on home soil, a streak that began after a 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, underscoring their dominance at the venue. Conversely, New Zealand have been formidable away from home, suffering only one defeat in 17 games since the start of 2025. The match‑day squad for England 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 include May Campbell (Saracens), Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears), Maud Muir (Gloucester‑Hartpury), Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women), Marlie Packer (Harlequins), Natasha Hunt (Gloucester‑Hartpury), Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks) and Emma Sing (Gloucester‑Hartpury).
New Zealand, the Black Ferns, enter the match as the last side to defeat England in a major tournament, having upset the Roses in the final of the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Head coach Whitney Hansen has refreshed her lineup, recalling loose forward Kaipo Olsen‑Baker, winger Ayesha Leti‑I'iga and lock Laura Bayfield after their commanding 66‑14 victory over Scotland.
Hansen, daughter of former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, praised her squad, saying they are "made for these moments" as they aim to extend a 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 Black Ferns’ starting XV features Braxton Sorensen‑McGee at fullback, Mererangi Paul on the right wing, and the powerful centre combination of Logo‑I‑Pulotu Brunt and Amy Du Plessis.
Ayesha Leti‑I'iga occupies the left wing, while Hannah King directs play at fly‑half and Maia Joseph controls the scrum‑half duties. The forward pack includes Chryss Viliko at loosehead prop, captain Georgian Ponsonby at hooker, and Veisinia Mahutariki‑Fakalelu at tighthead. The second row consists of Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Laura Bayfield and Liana Mikaele‑Tu’u, with Elinor‑Plum King at number six, Kaipo Olsen‑Baker at number eight and the experienced Kaipo Olsen‑Baker providing additional leadership. Their bench features Atlanta Lolohea, Maddison Robinson, Santo Taumata, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Layla Sae, Tara Turner, Justine McGregor and Alena Saili.
Both teams bring a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent, setting the stage for a tactical battle that will test defensive resilience, set‑piece execution and creative attacking play. England will look to capitalize on their home advantage and recent form, while New Zealand will aim to reassert their dominance and prove why they remain one of the world’s elite women’s rugby nations. The match promises to be a showcase of skill, physicality and strategic nuance, with the outcome likely influencing the trajectory of the WXV Global Series and the broader international calendar.
Fans worldwide will be watching closely as the Red Roses and the Black Ferns write the next chapter in their storied rivalry.