Frank Halai’s try condemned them to a 17-12 reverse sending them into the play-off against Samoa.

Playmaker Christian Lewis-Pratt touched down twice – converting both his own tries – and Isoa Damudamu scored the clincher with Marcus Watson converting in a 21-12 win against the Islanders.

England climb one place to third in the overall HSBC Sevens World Series standings as a result, after picking up 17 points. They trail New Zealand – who beat Fiji 24-7 in the final – by nine heading into next weekend’s USA Sevens in Las Vegas, the fifth leg of the nine-event series.

“Our performances were really positive, we felt we and New Zealand were the best two teams and we’re so close now,” said head coach Ben Ryan.

“We’re at the stage now that when we don’t win a tournament  we feel disappointed. We’ve played New Zealand four times this season, won one and they’ve won three by a single score and that’s the difference between first place and third place.

“What was outstanding was the way we picked ourselves up for the third-place play-off and bounced back. It’s the first time we’ve won one having lost in Delhi [at the Commonwealth Games] and in Port Elizabeth.

“We now need a strong second week going to Las Vegas, we’ve got 12 guys fit and healthy and we’re ready to give it a good crack there.”

Earlier England had brushed aside Tonga 26-7 at the quarter final stage reach the last four.

Dan Norton, Mat Turner and captain Greg Barden all touched down in an impressive first half display – Christian Lewis-Pratt adding two conversions – and a second converted Turner try after the break put them out of sight with Daniel Kilioni scoring a last-minute consolation.

Then came a dramatic showdown with New Zealand in front of a sold-out Westpac Stadium crowd.

England dominated the first half with former Royal Marine Barden outflanking the cover for the first try and Chris Cracknell powering his way over for the second with Lewis-Pratt’s conversion putting them 12-0 up at the break.

Charles Piutau pulled one back mid-way through the second half before All Black Hosea Gear came off the bench to strike with the equalising score while James Rodwell was in the sin bin.

Both sides had chances in extra time before Halai – the leading try scorer in the series – sprinted 40 metres to win it.

HSBC Sevens World Series standings (top 8): 1 New Zealand 73, 2 Fiji 70, 3 England 64, 4 South Africa 61, 5 France 49, 6 Samoa 47, 7 Australia 45, 8 Wales 41.

London Scottish have signed Canadian World Cup star Adam Kleeberger from the British Columbia Bears until the end of the season

Kleeberger, 27, who plays as a back-row forward, won praise for his standout performances during the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. An aggressive, tough tackling flanker, he was named man of the match in the Canadian’s opening win over Tonga.

London Scottish Head Coach Simon Amor was pleased to welcome Kleeberger into the squad: "Adam will be a very important player for us over the remainder of the season. He is an international player who has performed to a high level on the biggest stage of them all, and he will add a greater physical edge to our play.

"He was an iconic player in New Zealand, and his rugby reputation speaks for itself. I am delighted to welcome him to London Scottish, and look forward to seeing what he can do."

Kleeberger will be available for selection for the Moseley fixture on December 26th, and London Scottish supporters will get the chance to see him at the Athletic Ground on January 7th against Plymouth Albion, selection permitting.

He gained a great deal of attention throughout the World Cup , not only for the quality of his performances but also for the size of his impressive beard (pictured). He took the opportunity to shave it off following the tournament as part of the ‘Movember’ charity initiative, but it gained him fans from all over the world.

Kleeberger will be the third player from RWC 2011 to represent Scottish this season, following the signing of Argentine stars Agustin Gosio and Alfredo Lalanne earlier this year

James Rodwell’s two tries had put England in charge only for them to be overhauled by second half scores from Uale Mai and Alatasi Tupou.

Dubai champions England added 15 points to their account in the HSBC Sevens World Series standings and after three of nine tournaments are well-placed just four points behind joint leaders New Zealand and Fiji.

Earlier in the day England produced one of their best performances of the season to dispose of Gold Coast champions Fiji 21-14 at the quarter final stage.

But Tim Mikkelson’s last minute try for New Zealand edged them out of the semi final 19-14 and into the third-place play-off.

England had worked hard to qualify for the quarter finals on the opening day, beating the USA 26-7 and Argentina 19-0 either side of a 24-14 setback against Samoa in Pool A.

They then began Day Two by overwhelming the Fijians, pressing them into errors and pinning them deep in their own half.

Isoa Damudamu and Mat Turner put Rodwell in from close range early on before Osea Kolinisau levelled. England struck back immediately, though, with Dan Norton attacking from deep and beating defenders on an 80m burst for the line.

A patient build-up involving Chris Cracknell and Rodwell gave Turner the time to find his way to the line immediately after the break and put them 14 points clear before Aminiasi Nava Kuruinovo’s consolation effort.

England trailed New Zealand 14-0 at one point in the semi final – to tries from Solomon King and Joe Webber – before launching a superb comeback.

Rodwell and Turner fashioned the opening for Cracknell to smash his way over in the right-hand corner with Saracens’ Marcus Watson converting immediately before the interval.

And they were on a roll in the second half, forcing New Zealand into conceding penalties before Cracknell, Isoa Damudamu attacked down the right with Dan Norton’s offload putting Rodwell over.

Watson converted to tie up the scores but Tomasi Cama’s cross-kick put Mikkelson away in the last minute and England couldn’t get out of their own territory from the final play.

In the play-off they twice created opportunities for Rodwell to gallop in down the right, Damudamu and Tom Powell providing the assists and Christian Lewis-Pratt adding the conversions.

Mai and Tupou recaptured the lead before Mai was sin-binned for striking but England couldn’t fashion an opening in the frantic final play.

The final Test, which saw England go in 2-0 up and series winners after a 10-0 victory at Twickenham Stadium seven days ago and a 21-7 win on Tuesday, was the closest of battles with New Zealand registering their best performance of the series.

The Black Ferns had led for most of the match with an early Renee Wickliffe try but England substitute Natasha Hunt levelled the score with a 55th minute touch down. Penalties from England skipper Katy McLean, on her 50th cap, and her opposite number Kelly Brazier equalled the score. New Zealand, however, have never lost back-to-back internationals or been nilled before so for England this autumn international series was sweet revenge after their Rugby World Cup final heartache in 2010.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “If I had been offered two wins and a draw against the world champions ten days ago I would have happily taken that result, so even though today’s performance wasn’t our best, I am happy. I think maybe winning the series 2-0 on Tuesday may have taken the edge off us today but the players showed real resilience to level the match after going behind in the first half.

“We have learned so much about ourselves since the world cup final 15 months ago but really this is just the starting point of where this England team can go. Having 12 players in Dubai for the IRB 7s where the team got to the final and six of our first choice players out injured, means that we are starting to show the real strength in depth we have got. We have been able to give massive opportunities to some youngsters in this series who have come through with flying colours and with two months to go before the Six Nations starts we are in good shape.

“I would also like to pay tribute to our backroom staff that have done an amazing job and worked tirelessly in getting three squads out in seven days which is a real achievement.”

Just as they did four days ago England started today’s test match strongly, putting New Zealand under immediate pressure. An England line-out just five metres out from New Zealand’s try-line gave England the territory and although they lifted too early England forced a penalty. Skipper McLean couldn’t make the kick but soon had another chance on six minutes and put England 3-0 ahead.

The world champions were, however, a rejuvenated outfit today, and were clearly determined not to go home winless. They took their opportunities well and when a ball went loose after a crunching tackle on wing Katherine Merchant, Wickliffe picked up and sprinted down the left wing. Fullback Emily Scarratt put in a great tackle, but it was not enough to stop the Black Fern from touching down. Brazier couldn’t make the conversion, but the visitors led 5-3 after 12 minutes.

New Zealand were left battling with just 14 men after fullback Hazel Tubic was sent to the sin-bin for a late tackle on Scarratt but England weren’t able to take advantage of their extra man. In fact, it was the Black Ferns who, although they didn’t get near England’s try line, put England under real pressure with Brazier and Justine Lavea combining and then Brazier having a second shot of goal. This time she made no mistake with the penalty and put New Zealand 8-3 ahead at half time.

England made a raft of changes at the break to get some fresh legs on. McLean had another chance at goal early on with New Zealand being penalised for several offences, but the England fly half couldn’t make the kick. The Black Ferns then fell foul of the referee once again with flanker Lydia Crossman this time ending up in the sin bin. England, this time, did make the most of their opportunities. First a good line-out and drive saw England come close  and then moments later another well worked line-out saw England drive forward and scrum-half Hunt spotted a space to dive in and over the line. McLean missed the conversion but England were now back in the game at 8-8. 

From there on in, it was end to end action with both sides pushing forward but also being penalised for their mistakes. With nine minutes to go New Zealand went close when Tupic and captain Victoria Grant found space out-wide but Tupic’s pass was far too ambitious and a possible score went amiss. England clung on, however, and showed tremendous strength in their defence to keep a hurting New Zealand side at bay.

England 

15 Emily         Scarratt          (Lichfield), 14 Katherine     Merchant       (Worcester), 13 Rachael Burford (Richmond), 12 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 11 Kay            Wilson (Bristol), 10 Katy     McLean            (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) (C), 9 La Toya Mason        (Wasps), 1 Claire Purdy (Wasps), 2 Amy Turner (Richmond), 3 Sophie Hemming    (Bristol), 4 Rebecca Essex(Richmond), 5 Tamara            Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 6 Alexandra Matthews (Richmond), 7 Margaret Alphonsi        (Saracens) (VC), 8 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield). Replacements: 16 Victoria Fleetwood            (Lichfield), 17 Laura            Keates            (Worcester), 18 Rowena     Burnfield (Richmond), 19 Marlie Packer            (Bristol), 20 Natasha Hunt (Lichfield), 21 Kimberley     Oliver  (Bristol), 22 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Tries: Hunt

Conversions:

Penalties: McLean

Substitutions: Oliver for Richardson (30), Packer for Matthews, Hunt for Mason, Fleetwood for Turner (all HT), Keates for Purdy (48), Burnfield for Essex (63).  

New Zealand

15 Hazel Tubic, 14 Victoria Grant (C), 13 Shakira Baker, 12 Teresa Te Tamaki, 11 Renee Wickliffe, 10 Kelly Brazier, 9 Kendra Cocksedge, 1 Kathleen Wilton, 2 Karina Penetito, 3 Stephanie TeOhaere-Fox, 4 Vita Robinson, 5 Eloise Blackwell, 6 Lydia Crossman, 7 Justine Lavea, 8 Casey Robertson. Replacements: 16 Doris Taufateau, 17 Muteremoana Aiatu, 18 Amanda Murphy, 19 Rawina Everitt, 20 Emma Jensen, 21 Rebecca Mahoney, 22 Katarina Whata

Tries: Wickliffe, 

Conversions:

Penalties: Brazier

Referee:Ross Campbell

Assistant Referees:Ed Turnill & Peter Crouch

England Autumn International Series

Nov 26th England v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, WON 10-0

Nov 29th England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7pm, WON 21-7

Dec 3rd England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, DRAW 8-8

Bristol’s Sophie Hemming returns to the starting line-up at tight-head prop while Sarah Hunter and vice-captain Margaret Alphonsi, who is set to make her 60th appearance for England, return to the backrow. 18-year-old Alexandra Matthews, who has registered two strong performances for England since making her debut against France earlier this month, meanwhile moves to blind-side flanker.

In the backs, La Toya Mason, Katherine Merchant and Emily Scarratt all return while Alice Richardson will play her first game of the series.  Darlington Mowden Park Sharks fly-half Katy McLean will captain England on her 50th cap.

“This is the strongest available 22 I have and I am determined that we will finish this series as strong as possible,” said Street. “The players have been fantastic so far but they need to continue to improve which is something that has been our statement of intent since losing the Rugby World Cup final 14 months ago.

“I would also like to congratulate Katy and Maggie for reaching these significant milestones in their rugby careers. Reaching 50 and 60 caps for your country is an amazing achievement and hopefully for us it is a good omen too. The last time our captain, then Catherine Spencer, reached 50 caps, she led England to victory over New Zealand and while Maggie ties in her 60th cap I’m sure we’ll see another great performance from our team leaders.”

England have made history in defeating the world champions in back-to-back games after Saturday’s 10-0 victory and Tuesday’s dominant 21-7 win. Saturday also represented the first time the Black Ferns have ever been nilled.

“New Zealand are a hugely competitive rugby country and I have no doubt that they will be chomping at the bit to take a win in the last game of this series,” added Street. “This will be a massively physical match in every department.”

England 

15 Emily         Scarratt          (Lichfield)

14 Katherine Merchant       (Worcester)

13 Rachael Burford (Richmond)

12 Alice Richardson (Richmond)

11 Kay            Wilson            (Bristol)

10 Katy           McLean          (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) (C)

9 La Toya       Mason            (Wasps)

1 Claire Purdy (Wasps)

2 Amy Turner (Richmond)

3 Sophie        Hemming       (Bristol)

4 Rebecca     Essex(Richmond)

5 Tamara       Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

6 Alexandra Matthews (Richmond)

7 Margaret     Alphonsi        (Saracens) (VC)

8 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield)

Replacements:

16 Victoria     Fleetwood     (Lichfield)

17 Laura        Keates            (Worcester)

18 Rowena   Burnfield       (Richmond) 

19 Marlie        Packer            (Bristol)

20 Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)

21 Kimberley Oliver  (Bristol)

22 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

England Autumn International Series

Nov 26th England v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, WON 10-0

Nov 29th England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7pm, WON 21-7

Dec 3rd England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2pm, live on www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive

Following Saturday’s 10-0 win over New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium England followed up that win with a three try effort despite making 11 changes to the starting line-up.

Wing Georgina Roberts, skipper Katy McLean and hooker Vicky Fleetwood touched down for tries, with McLean adding two penalties to hand last year’s Rugby World Cup finalists a resounding win. England next take on the Black Ferns in the final game of the series on Saturday at Esher RFC, kick off 2pm.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “I am so proud of the performances the players have put in, but also really glad that I had faith in the whole squad to make 11 changes for tonight’s game as it proved justified.

“It wasn’t just about getting the points tonight that was important but it was the attitude and the strength the players showed. They didn’t panic when I made the changes to the starting line-up, instead they showed real character.

“The backrow was superb tonight. With three young players starting, they were outstanding. Alexandra Matthews in particular was a revelation playing as an 18 year old against the world champions.

“I have promised the players I will pick the best available side for Saturday’s game but selection will not be easy given the performances of all 26 players in the squad but I am already looking forward to the final game on Saturday already.”

Despite only playing an international test match three days ago England got off to a blistering start. Some great pressure from the kick off saw England drive forward and put the Black Ferns under immediate pressure. Lock Tamara Taylor made a good break but in the end a penalty came their way and fly-half McLean stroked it over with ease, taking a 3-0 lead after just two minutes.

The momentum continued for England with wing Georgina Roberts scoring the first try of the evening on just nine minutes. Again more pressure from England saw New Zealand under the cosh and the loose ball saw England pick up with centre Kim Oliver executing a superb long range pass to set-up Rachael Burford, who had the legs to power through the Black Ferns defence and set-up Roberts on the right wing. McLean couldn’t make the conversion but England still led 8-0.

The world champions hit back though and were certainly showing more fizz and creativity than in the first encounter of this series. A New Zealand scrum saw the ball go loose but scrum half Kendra Cocksedge recovered well to pick up and make a break. Flanker Justine Lavea then finished off the move with a powerful blast over England’s try line. Kelly Brazier added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 8-7.

The remainder of the half went all England’s way though with a series of scrums in New Zealand’s 22. McLean came close to scoring with a nice chip ahead but couldn’t ground it, while No.8 Matthews also pounded New Zealand’s defence on a number of occasions. Another fine attacking move involving Becky Essex and the impressive Natasha Hunt saw England close but in the end the pressure did turn into points for England with McLean converting a penalty while New Zealand lost Vita Robinson to the sin bin.

After the break the tempo of the game remained relentless. New Zealand put England under pressure early on but England made the turnover and instead the visitors were left chasing their rivals after Michaela Staniford made a good break. Hannah Gallagher made some more yards for England before the ball went out-wide to Kat Merchant and then Kay Wilson who came close but was unable to score.

47 minutes in and Mclean added England’s second try. Again following a series of scrums in New Zealand’s 22, England made the most of their chances and scrum half Hunt recycled the ball out to McLean who found a gap to break through and score. She couldn’t make the conversion, and even with England losing Kim Oliver to the sin bin, her side made an even bigger dent on the scoreboard.

This time it was the turn of replacement hooker Vicky Fleetwood to take the honours. An England line-out saw Fleetwood throw in well for her teammate to bounce the ball straight back at her and she then show lightning pace and power to blast through New Zealand’s defence and score after 68 minutes. The score proved decisive with New Zealand, even though they fought to the very end, unable to claw their way back into the game.

England 

15 Kay            Wilson            (Richmond), 14 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 13 Rachael Burford (Richmond), 12 Kimberley       Oliver  (Bristol), 11 Michaela          Staniford        (Wasps), 10 Katy           McLean          (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) (C), 9 Natasha Hunt (Lichfield), 1 Claire Purdy (Wasps) (VC), 2 Amy Turner (Richmond), 3 Laura        Keates            (Worcester), 4 Rebecca            Essex (Richmond), 5 Tamara        Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 6 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens), 7 Marlie            Packer            (Bristol), 8 Alexandra Matthews (Richmond). Replacements: 16 Victoria           Fleetwood     (Lichfield), 17 Sophie Hemming   (Bristol), 18 Rowena            Burnfield            (Richmond), 19 Margaret Alphonsi          (Saracens), 20 La Toya       Mason            (Wasps), 21 Emily  Scarratt (Lichfield), 22 Katherine  Merchant       (Worcester)

Tries: Roberts, McLean, Fleetwood

Conversions:

Penalties: McLean (2)

Substitutions: Merchant for Roberts, Fleetwood for Turner (52), Burnfield for Essex (57), Alphonsi for Gallagher (60), Keates for Hemming (64), Scarratt for Staniford (69).

New Zealand

15 Kelly Brazier, 14 Katarina Whata, 13 Shakira Baker, 12 Amiria Rule, 11 Renee Wickliffe, 10 Rebecca Mahoney, 9 Kendra Cocksedge, 1 Kathleen Wilton, 2 Karina Penetito, 3 Mel Bosman, 4 Vita Robinson, 5 Kalani Matapo, 6 Lydia Crossman, 7 Justine Lavea, 8 Casey Robertson (C). Replacements: 16 Stephanie TeOhaere-Fox, 17 Muteremoana Aiatu, 18 Eloise Blackwell, 19 Aroha Savage, 20 Emma Jensen, 21 Teresa Te Tamaki, 22 Hazel Tubic

Tries: Lavea

Conversions: Brazier

Penalties:

Referee: Philip Davies

Assistant Referees: Paul Kimber & Ken Morgan

England Autumn International Series

Nov 26th England v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, WON 10-0

Nov 29th England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7pm, WON 21-7 www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive

Dec 3rd England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2pm, live on www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive

Gary Street’s side, who last took on the Black Ferns 14 months ago and lost 13-10, controlled a superb game at the home of England Rugby to take the hard earned but well deserved victory. A 30th minute try from Margaret Alphonsi, which followed some superb work by Woman of the Match Emily Scarratt, as well as a conversion and drop goal from skipper Katy McLean sealed the victory for the home side.

England Head Coach Street said: “14 months of sheer hard work and preparation went into today’s performance. We were not satisfied with our performance in the world cup final and we had a point to prove as much to ourselves as anyone. We played some good expansive rugby and our big players stood up and put the work in all over the park. It feels great that all our hard work has paid off today.

“All that said this is the start of a three test series against the world champions. Although I think we dominated most of the game and a lot of the areas, we have to keep this performance and momentum going. New Zealand are the world champions after all and there is no doubt that they will want to bounce back bigger and stronger on Tuesday at Esher, but we will be ready for that.”

Unlike the world cup final England began the game with great control and attacked the Black Ferns hard. Nine minutes in and the visitors had not had a sniff in England’s half. The Black Ferns battled hard to regain control and they started to put pressure on England’s scrum but in the end they were penalised and England were awarded a penalty on 15 minutes. Fly-half McLean couldn’t make the penalty with her kick going just below the crossbar, but that didn’t put the home side off their stride.

England continued to keep New Zealand in their half and came close to scoring after 20 minutes. Good line-out ball from Lichfield hooker Vicky Fleetwood saw lock Rowena Burnfield take it in. Alphonsi and Becky Essex both picked and drove, but in the end they couldn’t ground the ball with the Black Ferns defence holding firm.

After 30 minutes though England secured a crucial try. Again, another well-worked line-out, with Tamara Taylor this time securing good, clean ball, saw the ball recycled out through La Toya Mason, McLean and then Scarratt who made a superb break with a great line cut through New Zealand’s defence. The Lichfield centre couldn’t make the try-line but Alphonsi was in support and blasted her way through to score. With McLean converting England took a 7-0 lead at half-time.

New Zealand had their chances after the break when McLean’s kick was scooped up by wing Renee Wickliffe. Wickcliffe found space and ran through England’s defence but lost control of the ball close to the try-line when Scarratt came in and covered well in defence.

England rang the changes as the 50 minute mark neared with Rachael Burford, Amy Tuner, Natasha Hunt and Laura Keates all coming on. And it unsettled New Zealand who nearly conceded a second try when Alphonsi got on the end of a clever chip from McLean, but again she was unable to secure the ball and ground it.

McLean though continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over and stroked over a drop goal on 58 minutes to give the home side a 10-0 lead. England’s wingers, Michaela Staniford and Katherine Merchant, meanwhile continued to heap the pressure on New Zealand and Merchant came close to scoring after a 40 metre break, only for a tap tackle ten metres out to take her down.

England and New Zealand are back in action on Tuesday for the second of the three match series at Esher RFC, kick off 7pm, before the final match on Saturday December 3rd, kick-off 2pm, at Esher RFC also.

England

15 Danielle   Waterman      (Worcester), 14 Katherine  Merchant       (Worcester), 13 Emily          Scarratt            (Lichfield), 12 Kimberley     Oliver  (Bristol), 11 Michaela Staniford     (Wasps), 10 Katy      McLean            (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) (C), 9 La Toya         Mason            (Wasps), 1 Rochelle            Clark   (Worcester), 2 Victoria         Fleetwood     (Lichfield), 3 Sophie            Hemming       (Bristol), 4 Rowena Burnfield   (Richmond), 5 Tamara        Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 6 Rebecca            Essex(Richmond), 7 Margaret      Alphonsi        (Saracens) (VC), 8 Sarah   Hunter            (Lichfield). Replacements: 16 Amy       Turner            (Richmond), 17 Laura        Keates            (Worcester), 18 Marlie            Packer            (Bristol), 19 Alexandra  Matthews(Richmond), 20 Natasha    Hunt   (Lichfield), 21 Rachael         Burford (Richmond), 22 Kay          Wilson            (Richmond)

Tries: Alphonsi

Conversions: McLean

Penalties:

Drop goals: McLean

Substitutions: Wilson for Waterman (47), Burford for Oliver (51), Turner for Fleetwood (55), Hunt for Mason (55), Keates for Clark (55), Packer for Essex (58), Matthews for Alphonsi (78)

New Zealand

15 Victoria Grant (C), 14 Shakira Baker, 13 Kelly Brazier, 12 Amiria Rule,  11 Renee Wickliffe, 10 Rebecca Mahoney, 9 Emma Jensen, 1 Kathleen Wilton, 2 Fiao’o Faamausili, 3 Mel Bosman, 4 Vita Robinson, 5 Eloise Blackwell, 6 Amanda Murphy, 7 Justine Lavea, 8 Casey Robertson. Replecaments: 16 Karina Penetito, 17 Doris Taufateau, 18 Rawina Everitt, 19 Aroha Savage, 20 Kendra Cocksedge, 21 Teresa Te Tamaki, 22 Hazel Tubic

Referee: Steve Lee

Assistant Referees: Clare Daniels & Darryl Chapman

Half-time score: England 7 New Zealand 0

McLean, who will lead her side for the first ever time against the mighty Black Ferns, is a survivor of the 2010 Rugby World Cup final which England narrowly lost 13-10 to their arch rivals.

Saturday marks the first time these two sides have met since the RWC and there is no doubt that the rivalry between England and New Zealand is as fierce as it has ever been.

Fly-half McLean, in her second season of captaining England, said: “We have been in our training camp for four days now and we have fitted a lot in. It is great being back in the camp environment; there’s a brilliant atmosphere with the new players fitting in well with the more experienced heads. It is certainly a good place to be at the moment.

“We have covered a lot in the time we’ve had and we are feeling good right now. Now it is a matter of counting down until Saturday as we can’t wait for this challenge. It’s time to stop talking off the pitch and do it on it and we are really ready.”

McLean knows better than most how devastated England were 14 months ago when New Zealand were crowned world champions. It was the third world cup final in a row where England failed to topple the all-conquering Black Ferns. But with time for reflection McLean is adamant that England and New Zealand are evenly matched rivals which will undoubtedly provide a thriller of a match on Saturday.

The Darlington Mowden Park Sharks player added: “A year ago we didn’t play so well. There is no doubt that New Zealand played better than us on the day but it was down to a performance on that day rather than there being a massive gulf between us and them. I know that if we had played the game we wanted to then we could have won.

“New Zealand are a phenomenal side but I think the pressure is on them. They are the world champions and I know if we can play at our best we have the ability to defeat them. The Twickenham pitch suits us and we have a good winning record there and we have every intention of maintaining that. New Zealand are not unbeatable.”

Saturday’s game signals the first of three test matches between England and New Zealand this autumn. The two sides will also clash on November 29th and December 3rd at Esher RFC.

England Squad

Margaret        Alphonsi        (Saracens)

Rachael         Burford           (Richmond)

Rowena         Burnfield       (Richmond) 

Rochelle        Clark   (Worcester)

Rebecca        Essex(Richmond)

Victoria           Fleetwood     (Lichfield)

Hannah         Gallagher      (Saracens)

Sophie           Hemming       (Bristol)

Natasha         Hunt   (Lichfield)

SarahHunter            (Lichfield)    

Laura  Keates            (Worcester)  

La Toya          Mason            (Wasps)

Alexandra      Matthews       (Richmond)

Katy    McLean          (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Katherine      Merchant       (Worcester)

Kimberley      Oliver  (Bristol)

Marlie Packer            (Bristol)

Claire Purdy(Wasps)       

Alice   Richardson   (Richmond)

Georgina       Roberts          (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Emily  Scarratt          (Lichfield)

Michaela        Staniford        (Wasps)

Amy    Turner            (Richmond)

Tamara           Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Danielle         Waterman      (Worcester)

Kay     Wilson            (Richmond)

England Autumn International Series

• Nov 26th England v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, KO 5pm, live on Sky Sports HD 1 Red Button
• Nov 29th England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7pm, live on www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive
• Dec 3rd England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2pm, live on www.rfu.com/englandwomenlive

After a frustrating wait, explosive Kiwi flanker Onasai Auva’a has at last linked up with his new team-mates and is set to be in the selection mix for Friday’s crucial Premiership home clash with Exeter Chiefs.

Back in his native New Zealand, Auva’a earned the nickname Axe thanks to his guitar playing exploits – so much so that he has even released his own single called We Made It.

However, having finally arrived in Manchester, Auva’a is hoping to make sweet music on the pitch.

For his part Diamond has already been hugely impressed with Auva’a’s impact in training just days after his arrival.

“We can already tell from training that he looks a hell of a player,” the Sale executive director of sport told the MEN.

“He’s a Super 15 player and will bring even more quality to our back row.”

Though originally signed on a short-term loan partly as cover up until February for the injured Hendre Fourie, the 26-year old – who has jetted over with his wife and new baby son – revealed he is hoping to press his case for a longer-term Edgeley Park contract.

“I am just so excited to be here – to have signed up with Sale is such a great feeling,” he revealed. “It’s a big family decision and I have moved over with my family and our new son. I’m on a trial period which is really good and I know Sale wouldn’t want to invest in someone who doesn’t perform.

“It pushes me to the edge and to take every opportunity that comes my way and I’m hoping to extend my contract in three months time and stay for longer.

“I’m going to try and put up my hand and whatever opportunity I get I’m going to try and take it.

“There’s been a really warm welcome since we arrived and I’m loving the training and the environment its a really good complex they have got here and I’m really looking forward to playing for the Sharks.

“I hadn’t followed the Aviva Premiership too much before but once I signed for Sale, I started reading up the results and followed them on the TV to see how they were doing.

“The European style of rugby is a lot different from back home but it’s enjoyable and I’ve already found the guys are a lot more fitter over here than back home.”

Though the deal to secure his signature was confirmed back in late September, Auva’a revealed family issues had delayed his 12,000-mile flight to the UK.

“We had a baby boy, James. He’s two months old now and we wanted to wait until he was six weeks old and it was safe before we made the flight,” added Auva’a who won a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games as part of New Zealand’s Sevens side.

“Had it been a four or five-hour trip that would have been fine but given it was a 32-hour trip on a plane we wanted to make sure his immune system was right.

“Then we had to wait for my visa to be sorted but we’re just so happy to be here now.

“Hopefully I can bring with me some of the skills I learnt back home in New Zealand. I’m a true fetcher of the ball and like to get turnovers and I think I can bring that element over here along with my speed.

“I also want to try and bring a bit of humour to the team as well.”

However, Sale’s preparations for the Exeter clash were marred yesterday by in Diamond’s words ‘a horrendous injury’ suffered in training by hooker Joe Ward, who split open his heel after catching a stray stud just as Tuesday’s training session was wrapping up.

Ironically, the former Wasps man had only just returned to full fitness after a niggling calf problem and would have played against the Chiefs.

With a question mark over how long he will now be side-lined, Diamond was set to dip into the transfer market immediately for an emergency hooker whom he can bringing in immediately.

The 26-man playing group is composed almost entirely of players who recently competed in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, where Australia beat Wales 21-18 to win the Bronze Final.  The injured pair of full back Kurtley Beale and fly half Quade Cooper are the only players from that starting XV not to be making the trip.

With the Barbarians, coached by All Black pairing Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, containing a star-studded list including five of the victorious World Cup New Zealanders (Sonny Bill Williams, Keven Mealamu, Jerome Kaino, Piri Weepu and Adam Thomson), Australia’s visit to Twickenham has all the ingredients of the toughest of Test matches.

The Baabaas have beaten New Zealand and South Africa in the last two years and will be determined to complete a hat-trick against the SANZAR nations, while avenging the 11-18 defeat suffered against a young Wallabies outfit at Wembley Stadium during the two teams’ last meeting in London four seasons ago.

Seven days after their fixture at the Home of England Rugby, the Wallabies move to Cardiff for their 14th and final outing of the year when they take on Wales for the James Bevan Trophy.  In a re-match of the Rugby World Cup Bronze Final, Australia will hope to make it three on the bounce,  having won their previous two encounters at the Millennium Stadium.

It might be a three week assembly, with just two games, but Qantas Wallabies Head Coach Robbie Deans is anticipating a difficult tour, and the squad has been selected accordingly, with the number of international appearances averaging 24 per player.

“While this is a relatively brief visit by current standards, both fixtures promise to be exceedingly demanding,” said Deans.

“Wales were arguably the most improved side at the Rugby World Cup, and their expectations will have risen on the back of that performance.”

Coming into the Wallabies squad is Western Force prop Pekahou Cowan and three of the next generation of internationals: the Queensland Reds pair, centre Ben Tapuai and full back Ben Lucas, and the NSW Waratahs loose forward Dave Dennis.

The World Cup squad members not able to be considered for the tour were full back Kurtley Beale (hamstring), winger Drew Mitchell (hamstring), inside centre Pat McCabe (shoulder), fly half Quade Cooper (knee), No 8 Wycliff Palu (hamstring), flanker Rocky Elsom (hamstring), lock Dan Vickerman (shoulder), Kepu (eye) and half back Luke Burgess, who has left Australia to continue his career with leading French club Toulouse.

Winger Lachie Turner and flanker Matt Hodgson, who both joined the Wallabies in New Zealand as the replacements for Mitchell and Palu respectively, have been retained in the touring group.

Quantas Wallabies Tour Schedule/Key Dates

• Tuesday 15 November: Squad assembles in Sydney (Coogee)
• Saturday 19 November: Squad departs for London
• Saturday 26 November: Qantas Wallabies v Barbarians, Killik & Co Cup, Twickenham Stadium, London, 2.35pm.
• Saturday 3 December: Qantas Wallabies v Wales, James Bevan Trophy, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, 2.30pm.
• Sunday 4 December: Squad returns to Australia (arrives Tuesday 6 December)

The Qantas Wallabies Spring Tour Squad

Ben Alexander
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Berrick Barnes
Pekahou Cowan
Dave Dennis
Anthony Faingaa
Will Genia
Scott Higginbotham
Matt Hodgson
Rob Horne
James Horwill (captain)
Digby Ioane
Ben Lucas
Salesi Ma’afu
Ben McCalman
Stephen Moore
James O’Connor
Nick Phipps
David Pocock
Tatafu Polota Nau
Radike Samo
Nathan Sharpe
Rob Simmons
James Slipper
Ben Tapuai
Lachie Turner