England vs New Zealand at Allianz Stadium this weekend

England and New Zealand are set to clash at Allianz Stadium this weekend, marking a significant event in their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup. This match is expected to be a preview of a potential final in the 2025 tournament, with over 40,000 tickets already sold. The game will be the first at Twickenham since its rebranding, highlighting the importance of this fixture in the rugby calendar. Both teams are gearing up for the WXV1 tournament, which begins on September 29 in Canada. England will face the United States in their opening match, while the anticipation builds for a possible rematch against New Zealand in the World Cup final next year. England's vice-captain, Zoe Aldcroft, emphasized the excitement surrounding the match, noting the competitive nature of facing the world champions. Historically, England has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of their last four matches against New Zealand, although they suffered a defeat in the 2021 World Cup final. The Red Roses have a strong home record, which they aim to maintain with a victory this weekend. Head coach John Mitchell has made strategic changes to the lineup, including the notable milestone of Emily Scarratt's 100th start. Mitchell expressed the importance of these pre-season games for gaining experience and addressing potential weaknesses. The match against New Zealand serves as a crucial test for both teams as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the WXV1 tournament and the World Cup, making it a highly anticipated encounter for rugby fans.