Head Coach John Mitchell has made three changes to the Red Roses starting XV for Saturday’s match against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in the WXV Global Series.
Props Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern start in the front row, alongside hooker Bryony Field who earns her second start, while Maddie Feaunati is recalled at Number 8 meaning a switch to blindside flanker for vice-captain Alex Matthews.
Morwenna Talling and Lilli Ives Campion continue in the second row, and Sadia Kabeya completes the pack from openside flanker.
The backline remains unchanged from the team that began last weekend’s draw against Canada. Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison are the half-backs with Helena Rowland and captain Megan Jones forming the centre partnership.
Claudia Moloney-MacDonald retains her spot on the wing following two tries down at Sandy Park. Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach are also named in the back three.
Among the replacements, Natasha Hunt and Tatyana Heard are back in the 23 and Emma Sing is set for her first WXV Global Series appearance.
Mitchell said: “We’re moving forward in the right direction whilst 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.”
Over 50,000 supporters will be in attendance at Allianz Stadium on Saturday for the 34th encounter between the Red Roses and the Black Ferns.
Tickets remain on sale priced from £25 for adults and £5 for juniors and can be purchased from englandrugby.com/tickets.
The match will be shown live on England Rugby’s YouTube channel, BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport website and app.
Red Roses team to play New Zealand
15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 64 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 58 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 40 caps)
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 53 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 42 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 72 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 46 caps)
1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 30 caps)
2 Bryony Field (Saracens, 2 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 86 caps)
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 31 caps)
5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 10 caps)
6 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 83 caps)
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 34 caps)
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 29 caps)
Replacements
16 May Campbell (Saracens, 7 caps)
17 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 64 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 55 caps)
19 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 11 caps)
20 Marlie Packer (Harlequins, 118 caps)
21 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 90 caps)
22 Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks, 37 caps)
23 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 17 caps)
With thanks to the RFU
