'You just have to play the game in front of you and not the name or person' - England ready for New Zealand test
Jess Breach scored twice for England in their recent victory over France
©Photo by Mark Tantrum - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
The stage is set.
England against world champions New Zealand. The top two sides on the planet preparing to renew their rivalry at the newly branded Allianz Stadium.
When you add in the fact that Saturday’s contest will also mark Emily Scarratt’s 100th start for the Red Roses, it only amplifies one of the most hotly anticipated fixtures of the year.
Last weekend at Kingsholm, England dismantled fierce rivals France 38-19 to record their 14th consecutive victory over their old foes. They scored six tries in a convincing win against the side who are ranked fourth in the world.
There were standout performances from Exeter Chiefs back row Maddie Feaunati on her first Test start as well as prolific winger Jess Breach, who scored a brace of tries.
However, it was far from the complete performance for John Mitchell’s side in their first run out of the 2024/25 season.
The Red Roses lost 27 turnovers against France. Their lineout also operated at only 85 per cent, which, by their standards, will need significant improvement this weekend.
There is no denying that Mitchell’s charges will be put to the test with the Black Ferns in town this weekend.
The last time the Red Roses faced the number two-ranked side in the world was 10 months ago on New Zealand soil during the inaugural WXV1 tournament where England exacted their revenge for their World Cup final defeat by securing a 33-12 victory.
The latest installment between the two sides on Saturday will, of course, be a major Test match but it also provides an opportunity for both nations to figure one another out before they meet again in the upcoming WXV1 tournament over in Canada.
“I think everyone’s really excited,” said England flyer Jess Breach. “It was good to get one game under our belt against France. Some mistakes and errors crept into our game, so it’s just about ironing them out for this weekend. No one can ever say they’re not excited to play at the home of English rugby, and it should be a really good test match going into WXV.
“New Zealand are a physical team and like to bully you upfront but obviously have that ability to throw the ball around in the backs. They’re a team we don’t get to face that often but it’s a good challenge for us.”
However, despite the challenges the world champions will throw at the Red Red Roses on their first visit to England since 2021, Breach was steadfast in her assessment that the squad has been preparing ‘the same as any other game.’
“You can’t think about individuals on the opposition because their gameplan might not involve them so you just have to play the game in front of you and not the name or person.”
Hooker Lark Atkin-Davies shared the same sentiment: “I think it’s mainly fixing things from the [last] weekend. We want to make sure we don’t give opportunities at the breakdown. That’s been a big work on for us this week, but just focusing on us and making sure we can develop from France onto this weekend against New Zealand at Allianz.”
This will be the second time this calendar year that the Red Roses have played at England HQ, with 48,779 in attendance for their 88-10 Six Nations victory over Ireland back in April.
Mitchell’s squad are clearly relishing the opportunity to play in front of bumper crowds, with this Saturday's game potentially being an indicator for what it is to come during next year’s home World Cup.
“We always want to play there [Allianz Stadium, Twickenham] and whenever we can have that ability to, the RFU have done a lot to push us to be able to play at Allianz and I think the crowds that have come to watch have been really good,” said Breach.
Atkin-Davies added: “We’re all excited to play at the Allianz. It’s always special to run out there. We love the challenge that New Zealand present, and we're all really excited.
“We can’t wait to get a really amazing crowd behind us at the Allianz. I love walking out and belting out the anthem, and that's such a huge thing especially when you’re surrounded by so many fans. That moment is really special, and I think it will give us loads of energy. Hopefully, the Allianz will bring the noise and it will be a special occasion.”
Atkin-Davies is one of five changes to the England side that beat France last Saturday, with props Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern also coming in to complete a new front-row.
Abbie Ward is back in at lock while Scarratt’s promotion to the 13 shirt means she will become just the third player to reach a century of starts for the Red Roses after Sarah Hunter and Rocky Clark.
England: Kildunne; Dow, Scarratt, Heard, Breach; Aitchison, Hunt; Carson, Atkin-Davies, Bern, Aldcroft, Ward, Feaunati, M Packer (c), Matthews.
Replacements: Cokayne, Botterman, Muir, Talling, Brock, L Packer, Harrison, Rowland.
New Zealand: Viliko, Ponsonby, Kalounivale, Bremner, Roos, Mikaele-Tu'u, Tukuafu (joint capt), Olsen-Baker, Joseph, King, Vahaakolo, Demant (joint capt), Brunt, Leti-I'iga, Holmes
Replacements: Lolohea, Henwood, Rule, Vaipulu, Sae, Hohaia, Du Plessis, Tui.
