Preview: Red Roses vs New Zealand
Everything you need to know ahead of the Rugby World Cup final between the Red Roses and the Black Ferns.
Simon Middleton's side will be aiming to win a third World Cup title when they play New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday after beating Canada in their semi-final.
Sarah Hunter will captain the side on her 140th cap with Alex Matthews and Marlie Packer bolstering the back row. A familiar lock pairing of Zoe Aldcroft and Abbie Ward has been named, while Vickii Cornborough returns to the starting lineup in the front row alongside Amy Cokayne and Sarah Bern.
| When? | Saturday 12 November |
| Where? | Eden Park, Auckland |
| Kick off? | 06:30 UK Time |
In the backs, the trusted half back pairing of Leanne Infante and Zoe Harrison has been named, while Holly Aitchison returns to the fold. Emily Scarratt is vice-captain at outside-centre.
Abby Dow retains her place in the starting XV but shifts to the left wing, with Lydia Thompson occupying the 14 shirt. Ellie Kildunne will start at full back. The finishers consist of Lark Davies, Maud Muir, Shaunagh Brown, Cath O'Donnell, Poppy Cleall, Sadia Kabeya, Claudia MacDonald and Tatyana Heard.
You can watch the match live on ITV, follow updates on England Rugby's Instagram and Twitter accounts, and check out the reaction on EnglandRugby.com.
VIEWS FROM CAMP
Simon Middleton: "We're 100% ready for this. We know this is going to be a physical game and we're going to need a lot of energy on the field. We've got such a tight squad, both players and staff, and we've really enjoyed our time here. We said when we got here that we wanted to be a better team than when we arrived, and we've done that.
"For New Zealand, to lose in front of a home crowd is a tough gig, so it will be more intimidating for them and the pressure on them is absolutely massive. We thrive in high-pressure environments and I'm convinced Saturday will be no different. We're relishing the opportunity."
Sarah Hunter: "I feel like we've moved into a great space in terms of where this team is. It's a very different team to 2017 and we've come together as a group and I don't think we need to look back. We're here to do our own thing and we'll do that on Saturday.
"As a player, these are the games you want to play in. You put in the hours because this is what you want to play. If you don't enjoy the big occasions then you're in the wrong place.
"Whatever happens, we'll be able to look back and say that we've done something really special over the last three or four years. We said from the outset that it's got the potential to be the best World Cup that's ever been and it certainly hasn't disappointed so far."
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS
2021: Red Roses 56-15 New Zealand
2021: Red Roses 43-12 New Zealand
2019: Red Roses 13-28 New Zealand
2017: Red Roses 32-41 New Zealand
2017: Red Roses 29-21 New Zealand
TEAMS
Red Roses
Starters
15. Ellie Kildunne, 14. Lydia Thompson, 13. Emily Scarratt (VC), 12. Holly Aitchison, 11. Abby Dow, 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. Marlie Packer, 8. Sarah Hunter (C)
Finishers
16. Lark Davies, 17. Maud Muir, 18. Shaunagh Brown, 19. Cath O'Donnell, 20. Poppy Cleall, 21. Sadia Kabeya, 22. Claudia MacDonald, 23. Tatyana Heard
New Zealand
Starters
15. Renee Holmes, 14. Ruby Tui, 13. Stacey Fluhler, 12. Theresa Fitzpatrick, 11. Portia Woodman, 10. Ruahei Demant (C), 9. Kendra Cocksedge, 1. Phillipa Lowe, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Amy Rule, 4. Maiakawanakaukani Roos, 5. Chelsea Bremner, 6. Alana Bremner, 7. Sarah Hirini, 8. Charmaine McMenamin
Replacements
16. Luka Connor, 17. Krystal Murray, 18. Santo Taumata, 19. Joanah Ngan-Woo, 20. Kennedy Simon, 21. Ariana Bayler, 22. Hazel Tubic, 23. Ayesha Leti-I’iga
KEY STATS
England are currently on a 30-game winning streak, the longest ever run in women’s or men’s Test rugby history.
England have won their last two Tests against New Zealand, each by margins of greater than 30 points
New Zealand and England have averaged the most tries per game of any team at this year’s Rugby World Cup (7.6 each)
Either New Zealand (5) or England (2) have won the last seven editions of the Rugby World Cup
WORLD CUP JOURNEY
Round 1 - Red Roses 84 - 19 Fiji
Round 2 - Red Roses 13 - 7 France
Round 3 - Red Roses 75 - 0 South Africa
