Maddie Feaunati returns to bring big-game experience and dynamism to the back row as England take on a resurgent New Zealand, their closest challengers at the top of the world rankings, in front of more than 50,000 fans at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Feaunati comes in at number eight, with Alex Matthews shifting to blind-side flanker and Abi Burton to the bench.

The three starters all featured in England's Women's Rugby World Cup final win against Canada, one year ago on Sunday.

England, whose 39-match winning streak was halted by a 26-26 draw against Canada last weekend, make their other changes in the front row.

Props Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern come in to start with Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir poised to add power off the bench.

Bryony Field, whose involvement in the international set-up before this autumn was limited to age-grade appearances half a decade ago, retains her place at starting hooker ahead of May Campbell.

Natasha Hunt, Tatyana Heard and Emma Sing are the specialist backs on the bench.

"We're moving forward in the right direction whilst building depth in our cover," said head coach John Mitchell.

"New Zealand are playing good rugby at the moment and it's no surprise to see them raise their standards.

"Test matches against the best teams in the world are what we relish and look forward to, especially at Allianz Stadium."

New Zealand were the last team to beat the Red Roses, upsetting the tournament favourites in the final of the previous Women's Rugby World Cup in November 2022.

England have won the teams' three meetings since - most recently running out 49-31 winners in October 2024 - but the Black Ferns have won all seven Tests they have played this year under new coach Whitney Hansen.

"Our players are built different, we're made for these moments," said Hansen, who is the daughter of former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

"We've continued to grow each week and we're excited to put our rugby identity to the test against England, who are currently number one in the world. "

Among Hansen's selection is wing Ayesha Leti-I'iga, who scored two tries in her team's World Cup final win over England, and teenage full-back Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who was one of the stars of the 2025 tournament.

England; Kildunne; Breach, Jones (capt), Rowland, Moloney-MacDonald; Harrison, L Packer; Carson, Field, Bern, Talling, Ives Campion, Matthews, Kabeya, Feaunati

Replacements: Campbell, Botterman, Muir, Burton, Packer, Hunt, Heard, Sing

New Zealand: Sorensen-McGee; Paul, Brunt, Du Plessis, Leti-I'iga; H King, Joseph; Viliko, Ponsonby, Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Roos, Bayfield, Mikaele-Tu'u, E-P King, Olsen-Baker

Replacements: Lolohea, Robinson, Taumata, Vaipulu, Sae, Turner, McGregor, Saili

Mitchell says he is determined to give defence coach Shaun Edwards, who has signed a short-term deal to join the Red Roses set-up for this autumn, the freedom to express himself, suggesting that the 59-year-old was stifled in his previous post with France.

Edwards spent more than six years with France, but had the final 18 months of his contract paid out after the team won the Six Nations earlier this year.

Mitchell suggested that France set-up ultimately could not contain both Fabien Galthie, who was transferred his flamboyant, unpredictable playing style into his head coach role, and Edwards, who has won silverware across a glittering rugby league career and then as part of the staff with Wasps, Wales and France.

"Shaun loves to be his authentic self," Mitchell told BBC Sport.

"He's possibly been in some environments where he hasn't been given autonomy and hasn't had the chance to be himself.

"Maybe in his last gig Galthie had too much say? Who knows? But that just kills the presence of Shaun and his ability."

Mitchell says Edwards is settling in well as he prepares England to face the Black Ferns and then away matches against Canada (twice) and the United States next month.

"He's already sitting down with the girls, having stories with them and small circles and stuff," added Mitchell.

"He's definitely a well-grounded man who knows how the world works.

"Experience informs me that the presence and aura of somebody of his credentials and ability will make the players want to straight away sharpen up and and meet the standards."