'Tuck it up the jumper and run over you’ - Players expecting feisty clash as Black Ferns come to town

The Red Roses will welcome the Black Ferns to the newly named Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday 14th of September.

This will be the fifth meeting between the two sides in just three years, as the two sides look to battle it out once again to be heralded as the world’s best.

Although England have produced noticeably better results against their rivals in recent matches, the all-important World Cup trophy currently sits with New Zealand.

After gaining an impressive 12-33 revenge over New Zealand, England’s players will be hoping to prove once again why they’re the top-ranked team in the world. New Zealand on the other hand will be looking to show to the rest of the world the reason they have won a record six World Cups.

Here is what both sets of players had to say ahead of the upcoming clash:

Red Roses

Amy Cokayne: “We haven’t played New Zealand on home soil very often so it’s always a huge battle, and to be able to play that kind of fixture at such an amazing stadium, I think both teams will be looking forward to it.

“I love playing against New Zealand, it’s definitely one of those games that no one needs any external motivation to get up for.”

Natasha Hunt: “New Zealand are historically a very big forward pack, they love the attritional ‘tuck it up the jumper and run over you’, but have also got silky skills out in the backs. 

“In the World Cup final they had the nod and then we went over there and beat them in WXV on their own turf, so it’s going to be a feisty one I imagine. 

“I’m really excited that we get the opportunity to run out at Allianz Stadium – to bring that level of game to London and to be able to do it in our home stadium is pretty epic.”

Black Ferns

Ruby Tui: “It’s world champions versus world number one,” Tui told BBC Sport. “My mouth is watering.

“I’ve got to admit the Red Roses are a very special team. They have carried a lot of tradition with them,

“In order to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. Let’s go play England, let’s go over to the northern side of the world in their home and let’s give it a crack, let’s have some fun, let’s get out there. I want to play tomorrow.”

“It’s going to be epic,” she added. “I just hope we all take this opportunity with two hands.

“It was amazing what happened in New Zealand, but we’re taking it back to where rugby began so let’s do it, let’s put on an awesome show.”