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Black Ferns settled for World Cup final rematch with England

November 2, 2023
Luka Connor runs into contact against England in the Rugby World Cup final.

The Black Ferns have made minimal changes to their side to face England this weekend in their final match of the inaugural WXV1 tournament - the first time they've faced their northern rivals since last year's World Cup final.

Coach Allan Bunting and selectors have opted for consistency in the matchday 23 following last week's 70-7 thumping of Wales in Dunedin with just one tweak to the starting XV.

The only change sees loose forward Alana Bremner join the run-on side while Layla Sae has been moved to the bench for impact.

Bunting's side features 11 players who took part in last year's dramatic World Cup final, in which the Black Ferns managed to hold on against a 14-strong England to retain the title 34-31.

Saturday's match effectively decides who will win the WXV1 this year after the Wallaroos stunned France last week to remove them from the race.

Just four points separate the undefeated English and New Zealand in the standings, meaning a Black Ferns win where they deny England a bonus point will be enough to crown them champions due to the head-to-head record.

However, England could be defeated and still win the championship if they manage to score four or more tries and lose by seven or fewer points - a scenario which would give them two bonus points and would take them out of reach of the Black Ferns in the standings.

But those equations aren't Bunting's big focus for Saturday with the Director of Rugby instead more pleased with the growth in the team over the first two rounds and believes they can lift to another level.

Allan Bunting looks on at Black Ferns training.

“We are exceptionally proud of our wāhine and their work ethic across this campaign. Last weekend as coaches it was fulfilling seeing our team adjust the way we wanted to play, and our wāhine unleashed what we know is us.

“We have a group of talented wāhine who can go another level. Selection is always tough, continuity this week is important around our selection. Everyone is doing an amazing job at preparing the team that will take the field.

“We know England will be an awesome challenge for our group at this stage of our journey. England women’s rugby is in its sixth year of being professional and it shows how they play together as a whole and thrive off their set piece. We are looking forward to this contest and great opportunity to test our depth.”

This will be the Black Ferns first Test match at Go Media Stadium Mount Smart, and their 31st Test against England, having first met in 1997.

Black Ferns team to play England in WXV1 at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland at 7pm on Saturday NZT is:

1. Kate Henwood, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Amy Rule, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Chelsea Bremner, 6. Alana Bremner, 7. Kennedy Simon [CC], 8. Liana Mikaele Tu'u, 9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, 10. Ruahei Demant [CC], 11. Mererangi Paul, 12. Sylvia Brunt, 13. Amy du Plessis, 14. Ruby Tui, 15. Renee Holmes

Reserves: 16. Luka Connor, 17. Krystal Murray, 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Layla Sae, 20. Lucy Jenkins, 21. Iritana Hohaia, 22. Patricia Maliepo, 23. Martha Mataele

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