England's Sadia Kabeya tackles Black Fern Luka Connor during the Rugby World Cup final match. Photo: AFP / Michael Bradley
The Black Ferns and England are set for a rematch fo their epic world cup final with plenty of familiar faces taking the field.
Coach Allan Bunting has gone with consistency in his match-day 23 with the only change being loose forward Alana Bremner to start at blindside and Layla Sae shifting to the bench in their final match of the inaugural WXV1 tournament at Mount Smart.
To win the inaugural WXV title the Black Ferns must win and deny England bonus points.
If the Black Ferns win and the end up tied on competition points with England, then the Black Ferns will win the title by virtue of having won the game between the two sides.
The selected squad offers a mix of experience and youth and includes eleven players who took part in last year's Rugby World Cup Final against England, and a further four from the Black Ferns Rugby World Cup squad.
Bunting said he was proud of the learning and growth in the team over the first two rounds of WXV 1 and believes they can lift to another level.
"We are exceptionally proud of our wāhine and their work ethic across this campaign. Last weekend as coaches it was fullfilling seeing our team adjust the way we wanted to play, and our wāhine unleashed what we know is us."
Bunting said they have a group of talented wāhine who can go to 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."
He said the Ferns know England will be a serious challenge.
"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."
New Zealand's players celebrate after winning the Rugby World Cup final match between the Black Ferns and England at Eden Park in Auckland. Photo: AFP / Marty Melville
Bunting thanked fans for the support the Black Ferns have received across the WXV1 Tournament to date.
"Across WXV1, whether it has been in Wellington, Dunedin or Auckland we have felt the support and hospitality from all we have had the privilege of meeting. To play at home in front of our whānau and fans is very special. We look forward to seeing our Black Ferns Fans out in force again this weekend."
This will be the Black Ferns first Test match at Mount Smart, and their 31st Test against England, having first met in 1997.
Kick off at Mount Smart is at 7pm.
Black Ferns team to play England:
Test caps in brackets.
1. Kate Henwood (3)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (19)
3. Amy Rule (18)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (20)
5. Chelsea Bremner (17)
6. Alana Bremner (18)
7. Kennedy Simon (19) (Co-Captain)
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (17)
9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (18)
10. Ruahei Demant (32) (Co-Captain)
11. Mererangi Paul (4)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (12)
13. Amy du Plessis (13)
14. Ruby Tui (12)
15. Renee Holmes (15)
Reserves:
16. Luka Connor (19)
17. Krystal Murray (13)
18. Sophie Fisher (1)
19. Layla Sae (2)
20. Lucy Jenkins (5)
21. Iritana Hohaia (5)
22. Patricia Maliepo (6)
23. Katelyn Vahaakolo (5)
