Red Roses make three changes to side for crunch New Zealand clash

Red Roses vs New Zealand: Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Bern and Maddie Feaunati all included in side for match at Allianz Stadium Head coach John Mitchell has made three changes to the Red Roses starting XV for Saturday’s match against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in the WXV Global Series; England's incredible winning run came to an end in nail-biting draw with Canada last week Thursday 24 September 2026 14:05, UK Sarah Bern, Mackenzie Carson and Bryony Field have all been included in the Red Roses side for their crunch match against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. Props Bern and Carson start in the front row alongside hooker Field who earns her second start, while Maddie Feaunati is recalled at No 8 meaning a switch to blindside flanker for vice-captain Alex Matthews. Morwenna Talling and Lilli Ives Campion continue in the second row, and back row Sadia Kabeya completes the pack. - Latest rugby union fixtures | Rugby union live on Sky Sports - Download the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more📱 - Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream F1 with no contract 📺 Last week, the Red Roses' remarkable 39-match winning run came to an end as they were held to a nail-biting 26-26 draw by Canada at Sandy Park. Head coach John Mitchell said: "We're moving forward in the right direction while building depth in our cover. Now we look forward to renewing a rivalry with a New Zealand side we haven't played since 2024. They are playing good rugby at the moment and it's no surprise to see them raise their standards. "Test matches against the best teams in the world are what we relish and look forward to, especially at Allianz Stadium." The backline remains unchanged from the team that began last weekend's draw against Canada. Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison are the half-backs with Helena Rowland and captain Megan Jones forming the centre partnership. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald retains her spot on the wing following two tries down at Sandy Park. Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach are also named in the back three. Among the replacements, Natasha Hunt and Tatyana Heard are back in the 23 and Emma Sing is set for her first WXV Global Series appearance. Over 50,000 supporters will be in attendance at Allianz Stadium on Saturday for the 34th encounter between the Red Roses and the Black Ferns. The Red Roses are unbeaten across their last 53 matches on home soil since a 20-25 defeat to New Zealand at the Twickenham Stoop in November 2016. They have won each of their last 13 at the Allianz Stadium but New Zealand have lost just one of their 17 games since the start of 2025. Red Roses team to play New Zealand 15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 64 caps) 14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 58 caps) 13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 40 caps) 12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 53 caps) 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 42 caps) 10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 72 caps) 9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 46 caps) 1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 30 caps) 2 Bryony Field (Saracens, 2 caps) 3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 86 caps) 4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 31 caps) 5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 10 caps) 6 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 83 caps) 7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 34 caps) 8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 29 caps) Replacements 16 May Campbell (Saracens, 7 caps) 17 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 64 caps) 18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 55 caps) 19 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 11 caps) 20 Marlie Packer (Harlequins, 118 caps) 21 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 90 caps) 22 Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks, 37 caps) 23 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 17 caps) WXV Global Series: England's schedule and results - England 48-15 Australia - England 26-26 Canada - September 26 - England v New Zealand (Twickenham) - October 16 - Canada v England (Toronto) - October 23 - Canada v England (Ottawa) - October 30 - USA v England (New Jersey)