Red Roses v Black Ferns: Preview
Everything you need to know ahead of the Red Roses' first Autumn clash with the Black Ferns.
This is the first time England have met New Zealand since the 2019 Women's Super Series in San Diego. The Red Roses are ranked the number one team in the world, whilst the Black Ferns are the reigning World Champions.
| Date | Sunday 31 October |
| Venue | Sandy Park, Exeter |
| Coverage | Live on BBC Two |
| Kick off | 2:30pm |
Sarah Hunter captains the Red Roses in what will be her 127th Test, with outside centre Holly Aitchison set to earn her first. There could also be a debut for Maud Muir, who is named as a finisher.
Teams
Red Roses
Here is Simon Middleton's match day 23...
Black Ferns
And here is how the New Zealanders line up...
News
The meet holds a special significance for the tourists, marking their 100th Test match. The Black Ferns have been vocal about their intention to make it an unbeaten tour, but England captain Hunter wants the talking to be done on the pitch.
"They can say what they want, about what game is, and what they want to do, but we just keep thinking about ourselves and actually what we want to do, and what this series means to us," she said. "We'll do our talking out on the field on Sunday instead of being drawn into responding to their statements."
Hunter has expressed her honour in captaining the Red Roses in one of the most high profile games in rugby, and looks forward to writing another chapter in this great rivalry's history.
"There has been some absolute highs of playing them in the past," she explains. "One that stands out is when we played them in Rotorua, and for the first time in maybe 16 years we won away."
Previous encounters
Though that victory was sweet, the Black Ferns have more recent bragging rights, with seven wins in the last 10 meets.
| 2019 | Red Roses 13 - 28 Black Ferns |
| 2017 | Black Ferns 41 - 32 Red Roses |
| 2017 | Black Ferns 21 - 29 Red Roses |
| 2016 | Red Roses 20 - 25 Black Ferns |
| 2015 | Black Ferns 26 - 7 Red Roses |
| 2013 | Black Ferns 29 - 8 Red Roses |
| 2013 | Black Ferns 14 - 9 Red Roses |
| 2013 | Black Ferns 29 - 10 Red Roses |
| 2012 | Red Roses 32 - 23 Black Ferns |
| 2012 | Red Roses 17 - 8 Black Ferns |
Simon Middleton's charges will be aiming to even up the form guide in Exeter, and the following week in Northampton.
Quotes from camp
Red Roses wing Lydia Thompson sat down with the media in the week.
As did forward Maud Muir...
And head coach Simon Middleton...
