Black Ferns Will Face England on September 27
The New Zealand squad has named its team for the upcoming test match against the top-ranked English side.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Soccer
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The New Zealand Black Ferns have finalized their squad selection for a test match against England on September 27. The team, captained by Georgia Ponsonby, enters the fixture looking to challenge the top-ranked team in the world.
Why it matters
The match serves as a high-stakes encounter for New Zealand as they attempt to break the winning momentum of an England team that has remained unbeaten for 40 consecutive tests. This fixture tests the depth of the Black Ferns' lineup following recent adjustments.
England holds the top world ranking and enters the match on a 40-test unbeaten streak, despite drawing 26-all against Canada in their last outing. New Zealand has retained six players from their starting lineup against Scotland.
The players
Georgia Ponsonby
She serves as the captain of the New Zealand Black Ferns squad.
Laura Bayfield
She is a starting player for the Black Ferns who returns to the lineup after an illness.
Mia Anderson
She is a New Zealand player who was unavailable for selection due to a calf injury.
Ruahei Demant
She is a New Zealand player who was unavailable for selection due to a calf injury.
The details
The Black Ferns will welcome Laura Bayfield back to the starting lineup after her recovery from illness. The coaching staff finalized the roster by rotating players between the bench and starting roles while managing injuries to key players including Mia Anderson and Ruahei Demant.
Timeline
The test match between the Black Ferns and England is scheduled for September 27, 2026, at 3am NZT.
Season Trajectory
This test match is a significant hurdle in the international rugby season, placing New Zealand against England's historic 40-test unbeaten run. A victory for the Black Ferns would drastically alter the current global rankings and end England's record-setting streak.
New Zealand must rely on a rotated squad to challenge an English team that is currently ranked number one globally. The outcome will likely depend on how well the six returning starters integrate with the changes made to cover for injured players like Mia Anderson.
The takeaway
The Black Ferns face a difficult task at Twickenham against the world's most consistent rugby power. Fans should monitor the team's defensive adjustments following the required changes to the starting roster.
Further reading
For more information on the international landscape of the game, visit the Soccer section.
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