Ruby Tui Anticipates 'Something Special' as New Zealand Faces England at Allianz Stadium

New Zealand winger Ruby Tui is brimming with excitement ahead of her team’s clash against England at the newly named Allianz Stadium on Saturday. As the world champions face off against the world’s number-one-ranked side, Tui predicts a momentous occasion on the rugby field.

The encounter, set to kick off at 14:30 BST, marks the first match at Twickenham under its new name, following a sponsorship deal by the Rugby Football Union. For Tui and her teammates, this fixture is not just a warm-up for the WXV1 tournament in Canada but a chance to rekindle their intense rivalry with England.

"It's world champions versus world number one," Tui told BBC Sport. "My mouth is watering."

The two teams have a storied history, having met in five World Cup finals, with New Zealand's Black Ferns winning every single encounter. Their last clash in a final came in 2022, when the Black Ferns claimed a dramatic victory on home soil at Eden Park in Auckland. England, however, took some revenge in last year’s WXV tournament, defeating New Zealand to lift the title.

Reflecting on the fierce competition between the two sides, Tui emphasized the respect she holds for England’s Red Roses. “I’ve got to admit the Red Roses are a very special team. They have carried a lot of tradition with them,” she said. “In order to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.”

The 32-year-old Tui, who became a household name after her gold-medal-winning performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, has now retired from sevens rugby to fully commit to the 15-a-side game. She is looking forward to the opportunity to compete on English soil as the build-up to the 2025 World Cup continues.

“It's going to be epic,” Tui remarked. “I just hope we all take this opportunity with two hands. It was amazing what happened in New Zealand, but we’re taking it back to where rugby began so let’s do it, let’s put on an awesome show.”

For Tui, the match on Saturday offers more than just a chance to hone their form before heading to Canada—it is an opportunity to test themselves against one of rugby’s most formidable teams on the biggest stage in the northern hemisphere.

“I want to play tomorrow,” Tui added with a smile. “Let’s give it a crack, let’s have some fun, let’s get out there.”

England, who defeated France 38-19 in their last warm-up match at Kingsholm Stadium, will be eager to defend their home turf and set the tone for the forthcoming tournament. However, they will face a determined New Zealand side ready to put on a show and reignite one of rugby’s greatest rivalries.

With the clash between these two powerhouse teams fast approaching, fans are sure to be treated to an exhilarating spectacle at Twickenham's newly named Allianz Stadium.