. They executed some new lineout variations against Canada and they're likely to have some new ideas up their sleeve for the last dance. New Zealand's forward game finally came out to play in their gusty battle with France, but it will take a gargantuan effort to stop England from using their greatest weapon. The pressure game Simply put, Eden Park is not going to be nice. New Zealanders are so used to seeing their beloved Black Ferns win and they have dominated the women's Test scene for years. Both Middleton and Wayne Smith were already trading blows when it came to the pressure talk. 'I think it will be more intimidating for them,' Middleton suggested, when asked how his group of players would handle the Eden Park atm){kind=link}
The final couldn’t be better poised – the two best teams, a desire for revenge and a record attendance expected
On Saturday, England will run out at a sold-out Eden Park and face New Zealand in what will be a seminal moment for women’s rugby. With their 30-Test winning streak, the Red Roses are major favourites but they must do something they have never done before: beat New Zealand at a World Cup.
Telegraph Sport breaks down the key areas which could prove pivotal in the battle against the two best women’s teams on the planet, as England, armed with their structured set-piece game, look to neutralise an explosive Black Ferns side who have dazzled and shone with their attacking flair.
A World Cup final seems an odd time to thrash out a new centre partnership, right? Wrong. Holly Aitchison and Emily Scarratt might not be a combination Simon Middleton has used throughout the tournament, but it is one that has already been tried and tested. Aitchison and Scarratt linked up three times during this year’s Six Nations, to great effect. The Red Roses head coach has waited until the final to deal this card as England look to dismantle the Black Ferns’ dizzying backs’ magic.
Tatyana Heard – whose partnership with Scarratt came under some duress during England’s nervy semi-final victory over Canada – might feel hard done by but Aitchison would seem more suited to face New Zealand, from both a psychological and tactical perspective. The former sevens specialist started both autumn Tests against New Zealand last year – the first being her full XVs debut – when the Black Ferns were twice demolished by England and immediately made an impression.