Black Ferns coach Brian Evans has named an unchanged team for tomorrow's Women's Rugby World Cup Final.
Evans and his assistant coach Grant Hansen are keeping faith with the team that so impressively beat France 45-7 in the semifinal but there is one change on the bench with Auckland loose forward Linda Itunu coming on in place of her provincial union teammate, lock Monalisa Codling.
Evans said: “This game will be massive and England are a very good side with strong players across the park. They have been preparing for this for four years and after two consecutive Final appearances against the Black Ferns will be highly motivated, playing in front of their home crowd.
“We will need to have patience and look to apply pressure on them,” he added.
England beat Ireland, Kazakhstan and the USA in pool play and met Australia in the semifinal winning that match 15-0.
New Zealand team to play England. Victoria Grant, Carla Hohepa, Huriana Manuel, Kelly Brazier, Renee Wickcliffe, Anna Richards, Emma Jensen, Ruth McKay, Fiao’o Faamausili, Mel Bosman, Vita Robinson, Victoria Heighway, Melissa Ruscoe, Justine Lavea, Casey Robertson
Reserves: Karina Penetito, Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, Linda Itunu, Joan Sione, Kendra Cocksedge, Rebecca Mahoney (nee Hull), Trish Hina
