Black Ferns Face England at Twickenham with 55,000 Fans Expected
New Zealand seeks to end England’s 40-game unbeaten streak in London. Coach Whitney Hansen recalls special memories with her father at the iconic ground.
Key points
- The Black Ferns aim to beat England at Twickenham in front of a potential record 55,000-fan crowd.
- Coach Whitney Hansen recalls coaching with her father, Sir Steve Hansen, at Twickenham in 2023.
- Three players, including Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Laura Bayfield, return to the starting lineup after injury.
The Black Ferns arrive in London this weekend to challenge world champions England at Twickenham. New Zealand enters the match riding eight consecutive victories and a 2-0 lead in the WXV series. The stakes are high as they face a side that has not lost a test in 40 games.
Coach Whitney Hansen knows the opposition is their toughest hurdle yet. England plays a dominant set-piece game and uses pace on the edge to break lines. Hansen emphasizes the need for New Zealand to control the collision and neutralize those specific threats.
A record crowd awaits
More than 55,000 fans are expected to fill the stadium on Sunday morning. This would eclipse the 42,500-strong crowd from the 2021 Women's World Cup final at Eden Park. Hansen views this surge in attendance as a historic moment for women’s rugby.
To prepare for the deafening noise, assistant coach Simon Kneebone used a boombox during training. He played music, including hits by The Cranberries, to simulate the chaotic atmosphere. Hansen believes her players have the mental skills to stay focused under such pressure.
Father and daughter memories
Twickenham holds a unique place in Hansen’s heart. In 2023, she coached alongside her father, former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen. They served a men’s World 15 team during a week at the Lensbury resort.
Hansen was initially brought in for personal development sessions. By the end of the week, she was part of the main coaching group. She describes sitting in the coaching box with her dad as a special, unforgettable moment.
Injuries healed for the clash
Three players return to the starting side after injury. Loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker and winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga are back in the mix, along with lock Laura Bayfield. Hansen notes that these athletes bring valuable experience in big moments.
