In injury-enforced change
At a glance
What: Rugby World Cup final
Who: Black Ferns v England
Where, when: Eden Park, Auckland; Saturday, 7:30pm
Possible Black Ferns starting XV: Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui, Stacey Fluhler, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Portia Woodman, Ruahei Demant (co-captain), Kendra Cocksedge; Kennedy Simon (co-captain), Sarah Hirini, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Phillipa Love.
Another area of contention is the make-up of the Black Ferns’ outside backs after the selection of Renee Holmes at fullback against France, nudging power winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga to the bench.
That seemingly paid off because Holmes’ kicking game led to Ruby Tui’s stunning second-half try, with a deft, accurate grubber from nearly halfway.
Smith last week said Leti-I’iga was their ‘‘detonator’’ off the bench and the impact she provided in 25 minutes against France was forceful as the Black Ferns closed out the test.
Still, Holmes is likely to start again at No 15 because England, like France, kick long and efficiently for territorial advantage.
Holmes is their only specialist fullback and will be tested by the imperious, probing boot of No 10 Zoe Harrison. She is also the Black Ferns’ best goalkicker and every point will be vital in the final.
The rest of the team has picked itself for the biggest occasion of their lives in which England are favoured to win because of their record 30-match winning streak since 2019, including last November’s two victories over New Zealand (43-12 and 56-15).