WXV Preview: Red Roses v New Zealand

2 Nov 2023 | 4 min |

WXV Preview: Red Roses v New Zealand

Everything you need to know ahead of England Senior Women's final WXV1 fixture against hosts New Zealand

John Mitchell's side travelled to New Zealand for the inaugural WXV tournament following their two Tests against Canada in September, which they won 50-24 and 29-12 respectively.

They maintained their winning form with an opening 42-7 victory over the Wallaroos in Wellington, before making their way to Dunedin for another meeting with Canada at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Four tries from Lark Atkin-Davies contributed to the 45-12 win.

Their final test with hosts New Zealand is the first meeting between the two sides since the final of the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup last year. That Test, played down the road at Eden Park, saw the Black Ferns edge Simon Middleton's side 34-31.

TEAMS

Red Roses

15. Ellie Kildunne, 14. Abigail Dow, 13. Helena Rowland, 12. Tatyana Heard, 11. Claudia MacDonald, 10. Holly Aitchison, 9. Natasha Hunt, 1. Mackenzie Carson, 2. Lark Atkin-Davies, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Zoe Aldcroft, 5. Rosie Galligan, 6. Morwenna Talling, 7. Marlie Packer (C), 8. Alex Matthews

Replacements

16. Amy Cokayne, 17. Hannah Botterman, 18. Maud Muir, 19. Sarah Beckett, 20. Maisy Allen, 21. Ella Wyrwas, 22. Megan Jones, 23. Jess Breach

Black Ferns

15. Renee Holmes, 14. Ruby Tui, 13. Amy du Plessis, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt, 11. Mererangi Paul, 10. Ruahei Demant (CC), 9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, 1. Kate Henwood, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Amy Rule, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Chelsea Bremner, 6. Alana Bremner, 7. Kennedy Simonc(CC), 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u

Replacements

16. Luka Connor,17. Krystal Murray, 18. Sophie Fisher, 19. Layla Sae, 20. Lucy Jenkins, 21. Iritana Hohaia, 22. Patricia Maliepo, 23. Katelyn Vahaakolo

VIEWS FROM CAMP

Louis Deacon: "New Zealand are a very athletic team who like to play a lot, so some of our selections have come to suit the style of game. We're really looking forward to the Test, the players have been outstanding this week, as they have been every week.

"Everyone is just focusing on the game itself. It's just another game, another world-class opposition and the players are all looking forward to testing themselves."

Marlie Packer: "The mood in camp is that we're in a really good place. Obviously we've been building throughout the tournament and to face New Zealand in their own back yard is something we're really looking forward to.

"We want to play the top teams in the world and what better place to do it. With the game plan and how we're trying to evolve as the Red Roses on and off the pitch, we're going to put our best performance out there and really see where we're at."