The England women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have introduced three fresh faces into their match‑day squad for the pivotal encounter with New Zealand at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday. Prop Sarah Bern, prop Mackenzie Carson and hooker Bryony Field have all been handed starting berths, while veteran hooker Maddie Feaunati returns to the bench at number eight, prompting a positional shuffle that sees vice‑captain Alex Matthews move to blind‑side flanker. In the second row, Morwenna Talling and Lilli Ives‑Campion retain their places, providing continuity in the engine room, and the back‑row is rounded out by Sadia Kabeya, who completes a pack that blends experience with the newly added front‑row trio. The coaching staff have asked fans to view the match using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, ensuring that the live broadcast is as accessible as possible.
Last week, the Red Roses’ astonishing 39‑match winning streak was halted when they were held to a 26‑26 draw by Canada at Sandy Park, ending a run that had seen them dominate the international scene for years. Head coach John Mitchell reflected on that result, 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 remains unchanged from the side that faced Canada. Half‑backs Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison will again direct play, while centre pairing Helena Rowland and captain Megan Jones provide a solid midfield platform.
On the wing, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald keeps her spot after scoring two tries at Sandy Park, and the back three also features Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach, both of whom bring pace and finishing ability. Among the bench, seasoned internationals Natasha Hunt and Tatyana Heard have been recalled, and newcomer Emma Sing is set to make her debut in the WXV Global Series, adding fresh energy to the 23‑player squad.
The atmosphere at Allianz Stadium is expected to be electric, with more than 50,000 spectators anticipated for the 34th meeting between the Red Roses and the Black Ferns. England have been unbeaten in their last 53 home fixtures 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 this venue. Conversely, New Zealand have been formidable away from home, suffering only one defeat in 17 matches since the start of 2025. The announced starting XV for England reads 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: 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 when they upset the tournament favourites in the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup, arrive with a refreshed squad. Head coach Whitney Hansen has reinstated loose forward Kaipo Olsen‑Baker, winger Ayesha Leti‑I’iga and lock Laura Bayfield after their dominant 66‑14 victory over Scotland.
Hansen, daughter of former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, praised her players as "made for these moments" as they aim to extend a seven‑match Test winning streak this year. "We’ve continued to grow each week and we’re excited to put our rugby identity to the test against England," she added.
The Black Ferns’ 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. Their bench includes: 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 teams enter the match with a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, promising a contest that will test skill, strategy and resolve. England will look to extend their unbeaten home record and bounce back from the draw with Canada, while New Zealand aim to reaffirm their status as the world’s leading side by securing a win on English soil.
The stage is set for a classic showdown that could shape the narrative of women’s rugby for the remainder of the season.