Preview: Red Roses vs Fiji
Things to know ahead of the Red Roses’ World Cup opener against Fiji at Eden Park.
The Red Roses take on Fiji in Auckland this weekend in their opening World Cup Test, as they aim to build on their impressive string of victories.
Get the latest Red Roses updates
| When? | Saturday 8 October |
| Where? | Eden Park, Auckland, NZ |
| Kick off? | 04:45 BST |
Sarah Hunter will captain the side at No 8, while Emily Scarratt is named vice-captain. Ellie Kildunne retains her spot at full back, while Claudia MacDonald starts on the wing, as Loughborough Lightning’s Sadia Kabeya claims the open-side flanker position.
Named among the finishers, Abby Dow could be set to make her first appearance since suffering a broken leg against Wales in the 2022 TikTok Women’s Six Nations in April.
You can watch the match live on ITV, follow updates on England Rugby's Instagram and Twitter, and check out the reaction on EnglandRugby.com.
TEAMS
Red Roses
15. Ellie Kildunne
14. Lydia Thompson
13. Emily Scarratt
12. Helena Rowland
11. Claudia MacDonald
10. Zoe Harrison
9. Leanne Infante
1. Vickii Cornborough
2. Amy Cokayne
3. Sarah Bern
4. Zoe Aldcroft
5. Abbie Ward
6. Alex Matthews
7. Sadia Kabeya
8. Sarah Hunter
Finishers
16. Connie Powell
17. Hannah Botterman
18. Maud Muir
19. Cath O'Donnell
20. Poppy Cleall
21. Lucy Packer
22. Holly Aitchison
23. Abby Dow
Fiji
15. Roela Radiniyavuni
14. Alowesi Nakoci
13. Rajieli Laqeretabua
12. Sesenieli Donu
11. Vitalina Naikore
10. Merewalesi Rokouono
9. Lavena Cavuru
1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Vika Maturugu
3. Siteri Rasolea
4. Asinate Serevi
5. Sereima Leweniqila (C)
6. Sulita Waisega
7. Ema Adivitaloga
8. Karalaini Naisewa
Replacements
16. Bitila Tawake
17. Bulou Vasuturaga
18. Mereoni Vonosere
19. Merevesi Ofakimalino
20. Raijieli Daveua
21. Akosita Ravato
22. Ana Maria Roqica
23. Melaia Matanatabu
VIEWS FROM CAMP
Simon Middleton: “We’ve received a brilliant welcome in New Zealand and the welcome ceremony on Monday was a spectacular occasion. There was incredible energy and enthusiasm in the room and it was an event we will all remember.
“We’ve selected an experienced match day 23 who we feel are in a good position to get our campaign off to a strong start. We know we could have selected any of the wider squad and there are nine players this week with a key supporting role.
“It’s a privilege to come up against a team in their first-ever World Cup match. We know they have talented players and we’re looking forward to the challenge. It’s great to hear over 30,000 tickets have been sold for the opening day too.
“I’m really pleased with the group effort in training and we can’t wait to get started at an iconic venue in Eden Park on Saturday.”
Connie Powell: "There are two things that spring to mind straight away, which is their passion and physicality. I think that's two things they really bring and at the opening ceremony you could see in all of their faces.
"I think they'll bring back a lot of passion and a lot of physicality, but we're more than ready for it as a team."
Sarah Hunter: “Our focus is Fiji, we won’t get ahead of ourselves and start thinking about quarters, semis and finals because our intention is very much Fiji, then it’ll move to France and then South Africa. As soon as you start thinking beyond that, that is when you become complacent, that’s when things slip up and go wrong.”
RECENT RESULTS
14.09.22: England 73-7 Wales
03.09.22: England 52-14 USA
30.04.22: France 12-24 England
24.04.22: England 69-0 Ireland
09.04.22: Wales 5-58 England
STATS & FACTS
This will be the first-ever meeting between England and Fiji on the international stage.
The Red Roses have won 25 matches in a row, an all-time record for any England senior team, with those wins having come by an average margin of 39 points.
England scored 45 tries during this year’s TikTok Women’s Six Nations, more than any other side.
England are the only team to have reached the last four in every single edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
