Red Roses make three changes for New Zealand

England have made three changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s WXV Global Series clash with New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, with Sarah Bern, Mackenzie Carson and Maddie Feaunati coming into the side.

Red Roses change pack for New Zealand Test

Bern and Carson start at prop alongside hooker Bryony Field, who earns her second consecutive Test start.

Feaunati returns at No.8 after coming off the bench in last weekend’s 26-26 draw with Canada, with vice-captain Alex Matthews switching to blindside flanker. Sadia Kabeya starts at openside, while Morwenna Talling and Lilli Ives Campion continue in the second row.

England’s draw with Canada at Sandy Park ended their 39-match winning streak, their first Test without a victory since the 2022 Rugby World Cup final.

England backline unchanged for Black Ferns

Head coach John Mitchell has retained the same backline that started against Canada.

Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison continue as the half-backs, while Helena Rowland partners captain Megan Jones in midfield.

Claudia Moloney-MacDonald retains her place on the wing after scoring twice against Canada, with Jess Breach and Ellie Kildunne completing the back three.

Red Roses prepare for 34th New Zealand meeting

Natasha Hunt and Tatyana Heard return among the replacements, while Emma Sing is in line for her first WXV Global Series appearance. The Red Roses are unbeaten in their last 53 home Tests and have won their last 13 matches at Allianz Stadium.

Red Roses XV: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Megan Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 6 Alex Matthews, 5 Lilli Ives Campion, 4 Morwenna Talling, 3 Sarah Bern, 2 Bryony Field, 1 Mackenzie Carson

Reserves: 16 May Campbell, 17 Hannah Botterman, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Abi Burton, 20 Marlie Packer, 21 Natasha Hunt, 22 Tatyana Heard, 23 Emma Sing