England Women pick experienced side for New Zealand clash

Street’s side have beaten the Black Ferns in their last two series but have not played in New Zealand for eight years and as a result, he has called on the cavalry.

England, third in this year’s RBS 6 Nations, will be led by No.8 Sarah Hunter and she will captain a side that includes six players in the starting line-up who boast more than 50 caps between them.

In the pack Rochelle Clark, with 78 caps and two Rugby World Cup finals under her belt, spearheads a physical front-row unit with Sophie Hemming starting at tight-head prop and Emma Croker at hooker. Marlie Packer returns from England’s Sevens programme and is back in the backrow alongside Hunter and Alexandra Matthews.

Katy McLean has been handed the vice-captaincy armband and will start at fly-half alongside La Toya Mason at scrum-half while Emily Scarratt, Katherine Merchant and Rachael Burford are also back in XVs action following last month’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow.

“We are going into Saturday’s first Test with a strong 23 who have a huge challenge to face at Eden Park on Saturday,” said Street.

“There is a lot of experience in this squad and I am really happy with the 26 players we have brought to New Zealand as I know all of them will play an integral part in this Test Series.

“Although many players here have never played in New Zealand before, the vast majority of them have beaten the Black Ferns over the last two years and having that experience under their belts is going to give us confidence.

“Our ambition for this series is certainly to perform to our potential, and when we do that we know we can be a handful for any team in the world.”

Following England’s opening Test against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland, the two sides meet again on July 16 at Waikato Stadium and then for the final clash on July 20 at the ECOlight Stadium in Pukekohe.

England Women pick experienced side for New Zealand clash