England Red Roses back-row Marlie Packer chats exclusively to Sky Sports following the end of their 39-Test winning run, and ahead of Saturday's huge home Test against New Zealand's Black Ferns. Last week, Canada took their first step towards avenging Rugby World Cup final defeat to England by ending the Red Roses' record winning streak - dating back to 2022 - in a gripping 26-26 draw in Exeter. Eight days short of the one-year anniversary of England's 33-13 World Cup final triumph at Twickenham, the sides treated a sold-out Sandy Park to an absorbing WXV Global Series clash featuring eight tries that went down to the final play with the clock in the red.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Tuesday, experienced back-row Packer - 2023's World Player of the Year - said New Zealand can expect a Red Roses backlash at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday. "For us, obviously, it's not what we wanted, but it wasn't a loss. It's a learning curve," Packer said.
"It's made us put even more work into this week and focus on New Zealand come Saturday. "I think it sharpens the mind, but also just shows we are human. "It was an arm wrestle, and Canada brought it to us.
It was the World Cup final last year and we played again now. But it's a three-Test series. We're now going to play them out in Canada twice.
"For us, it's about making sure we learn from that draw. We'll learn, and we'll do better next time. "Most definitely [no better way to respond than beating New Zealand].
Playing at the home of English rugby, every player wants to play there. "There's literally a new pitch as well there for us, so I'm really excited for that. The girls are buzzing just to get back out there.
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