John Mitchell has reshuffled his forward pack as the England women’s national rugby union team prepare to return to Allianz Stadium this weekend to face New Zealand. The move follows a 26-26 draw with Canada last weekend, a result that ended England’s 39-match winning run.
Maddie Feaunati starts at number eight, with Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern also drafted into a reshaped front row. Mitchell has made the changes with one eye on the Black Ferns, who have won all seven Tests they have played in 2026.
Mitchell reshuffles forward pack following Canada draw
Feaunati’s promotion to the back row pushes Alex Matthews across to blind-side flanker, giving Mitchell a heavier ball carrying option close to the scrum. Carson and Bern start in the front row, with Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir both named among the replacements. Abi Burton also drops to the bench as part of the reshuffle.
Bryony Field keeps the number two shirt ahead of May Campbell. Amy Cokayne and Connie Powell are both missing through injury, and Lark Atkin Davies is away from the squad after giving birth. That selection pattern was already taking shape in our earlier report on England’s squad depth.
Mitchell pointed to New Zealand’s form as a factor in his thinking. “New Zealand are playing good rugby at the moment and it’s no surprise to see them raise their standards,” he said. He added: “We’re moving forward in the right direction whilst building depth in our cover.” Full details of the changes were confirmed in the original team selection announcement.
How England women line up against Black Ferns
Feaunati starts at number eight, Matthews moves to blind-side flanker, and Carson and Bern take their places in the front row alongside Field at hooker. Botterman, Muir and Burton provide forward cover from the bench, ready to be called on as the match wears on.
New Zealand have won every Test they have played in 2026, giving the England women’s national rugby union team a clear measure of the challenge awaiting them at Allianz Stadium. Head coach Whitney Hansen is relishing the step up in opposition. “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,” she said. Carson’s emergence as a front row option was flagged in our rugby union news today round-up from early September.
What happens next
England host New Zealand at Allianz Stadium this weekend, looking to respond after letting their 39-match winning run slip against Canada. Mitchell is relishing the occasion. “Test matches against the best teams in the world are what we relish and look forward to, especially at Allianz Stadium,” he said.
Hansen expects her side to meet the moment too. “Our players are built different, we’re made for these moments,” she said. With Cokayne, Powell and Atkin Davies all unavailable, Mitchell’s reshaped pack will carry much of the load against a Black Ferns side still unbeaten in 2026.
