England and New Zealand put fierce rivalry to one side and unite off the pitch in a bid to grow the women's game - but the Black Ferns want revenge in hotly-anticipated clash
At Twickenham (now Allianz Stadium, if we're being technically correct) on Wednesday, Marlie Packer and Kennedy Tukuafu chatted away merrily like long-lost mates.The pair were co-operative and friendly and acted like their conversation was the most natural thing in the world. As they talked, you had to remind yourself that just three days later they would be smashing seven bells out of each other at women's rugby's highest level.On Saturday, England captain Packer and her opposite number Tukuafu (nee Simon) of New Zealand, will lead out their respective sides for a hotly-anticipated clash. Their decision to partner up to help promote the match earlier this week demonstrated that women's rugby continues to show the way in its bid to grow in a sporting, commercial and marketing sense. It is hard to imagine such a situation happening in the men's game right now, although hopefully things may change. It is this reporter's belief that the female game remains rugby's biggest avenue for growth ahead of next year's World Cup which will take place on English soil. England, led by Marlie Packer (pictured), and New Zealand united to grow the women's game Packer chatted merrily away with her opposite number Kennedy Simon (also pictured) The duo pose for a selfie at Twickenham as they unite in a bid to grow women's rugby
'Bringing us two together as captains is about growing the women's game,' said Packer. 'That's what we all want. What we want is to put bums on seats and attract fans from around the world. It's been really good. We both said to each other we've enjoyed it.'On a game day you always say hello to your opposition captain, but because the rivalry is there you don't talk too much. This has allowed us to have a bit of a chit chat.'I can't believe Kennedy only got married last Sunday! We spoke about how big funding and resource is. It's been nice.'This game is going to be physical and fast. It's technically a pre-season friendly, but no Test between England and New Zealand is that.'Packer's England haven't lost since their 2022 defeat by the Black Ferns in the last World Cup final. That game saw a then record crowd for a women's Test of 42,579. A similar gate is expected at Allianz Stadium on Saturday for what will be the first game at the home of English rugby since the RFU confirmed its new stadium rights naming deal. The game is the runaway world No 1 team against the current world champions. Both sides will face off against each other in a hotly anticipated showdown at Twickenham England haven't lost since their 2022 defeat by the Black Ferns in the last World Cup final MATCH FACTSEngland: Ellie Kildunne; Abby Dow, Emily Scarratt, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Holly Aitchison, Natasha Hunt; Mackenzie Carson, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Zoe Aldcroft, Abbie Ward, Maddie Feunati, Marlie Packer (capt), Alex MatthewsReplacements: Amy Cokayne, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir, Morwenna Talling, Georgia Brock, Lucy Packer, Zoe Harrison, Helena RowlandNew Zealand: Renee Holmes; Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'I Brunt, Ruahei Demant (co capt), Katelyn Vahaakolo; Hannah King, Maia Joseph; Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Alana Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Kennedy Tukuafu (co capt), Kaipo Olsen-BakerReplacements: Atlanta Lolohea, Kate Henwood, Amy Rule, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Layla Sae, Iritana Hohaia, Amy du Plessis, Ruby TuiReferee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)Kick-off and venue: 2.30pm Saturday, Allianz Stadium, TwickenhamTV: BBC1 In all likelihood, the two sides will meet again at the same venue in next year's World Cup final. England are firm favourites for that tournament. The RFU hope to sell out their home for the final – one that realistically, the Black Ferns are the only team capable of beating them in.There remains a feeling however that a Red Roses loss at some point before then might actually be a good thing for them in the long term. The fact England are now coached by a New Zealander in former All Blacks coach John Mitchell also adds an edge to the next and future meetings.The last meeting between the two sides saw England beat the Black Ferns 33-12 in Auckland to win the inaugural WXV 1 trophy last November.'The rivalry is strong. There is a lot of history between our two teams,' said Tukuatu, whose team warmed up for England by meeting (and hugging) King Charles at Buckingham Palace in a video which went viral on social media. 'It was pretty normal for me, but not for the King,' said Black Fern Ayesha Leti-l'iga. 'If anything, I felt like he (the King) needed the hug more than me, but I didn't see his reaction until I saw the footage. It was wholesome and it was a great hug. We were in awe. It was an incredible experience.'Tukuatu added: 'As much as England and New Zealand have this rivalry, we both want the women's game to grow. We can do this sort of media – which I admit is unique – and still be ready to rumble.'As the women's game starts to get more and more resourced, it gets better and better. I feel hugely privileged to be a part of this era of women's rugby. New Zealand warmed up for the match by meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace The rivalry remains strong but both countries partnered up to promote the match'The women who came before us paved the path for us now to be able to receive things like free kit and be able to travel the world. It's amazing to be a part of these matches.'It's just epic. In previous years, the Black Ferns would only have one Test a year. England are a great team and they've proven it time and time again. But our history is strong too. 'We find a way.'
