But Black Ferns assistant coach Mike Delany is downplaying the rivalry between the Black Ferns and England.
"Revenge match? I’m not too sure," Delany said.
"We’re just focusing on its part of WXV and that we’ve got a job to do on Saturday.
"It’s going to be a great game. I can guarantee you that."
The Black Ferns face the Red Roses in a repeat of the Rugby World Cup final in the final WXV1 clash at Mt Smart Stadium tonight.
It has been the most anticipated game of the three-week tournament.
The players were looking forward to the match-up, Delany said.
"They’re excited. Coming out of that training, the girls were up and they just can’t wait really."
The Black Ferns soar when they play open and expansive running rugby.
"It’s in our DNA."
The coaches backed their players fully and they were proud to see the way their leaders ran the game last week against Wales.
They cut down their unforced errors, held on to the ball for multiple phases and their backs drove the forwards around the field.
"We’ll be looking to do that this weekend."
Asked if there was more expectation on the Black Ferns following the World Cup win, Delany said it came with the territory.
"When you win a World Cup, [it’s expected] to get out there and perform week-in, week-out. But look, this group is a special group and they’re pretty grounded when it comes to the teams ... and not putting themselves on a high pedestal.
"It’s an exciting match up for us [today] against England ranked world No 1.
"It’s a challenge, as this WXV has been. I mean, this has been a great tournament for us, [getting] to play the top teams in Europe to really find out where we sort of sit within the bigger schemes of things and moving into a World Cup in 2025."
The Red Roses were a well-rounded team and everyone was aware of their rolling maul threat.
They attacked the Black Ferns with it at the World Cup and scored four tries from it last week against Canada.
Rolling mauls were "part and parcel of the game" and England used it to their advantage, but the Black Ferns were keen to tackle that set move.
"We’ve come up with a bit of a plan during the week. They also do little plays off that as well, so we’ve got to be ready and aware for everything."
Several players from both sides were also nominated yesterday in the World Rugby awards.
Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant could win back-to-back women’s 15s player of the year titles. England captain Marlie Packer and player Abby Dow, and France’s Gabrielle Vernier, are also nominated.
Wingers Katelyn Vahaakolo and Mererangi Paul are up for breakthrough player of the year, alongside Carla Arbez, of France, and Francesca McGhie, of Scotland.
Paul is also up for try of the year, against Zoe Aldcroft, of England, Charlotte Escudero, of France, and Sofia Stefan, of Italy.
WXV 1
The teams
Black Ferns: Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Mererangi Paul, Ruahei Demant, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Kennedy Simon, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maia Roos, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Kate Henwood. Reserves: Luka Connor, Krystal Murray, Sophie Fisher, Layla Sae, Lucy Jenkins, Iritana Hohaia, Patricia Maliepo, Katelyn Vahaakolo.
England: Ellie Kildunne, Abby Dow, Helena Rowland, Tatyana Heard, Claudia Macdonald, Holly Aitchison, Natasha Hunt, Alex Matthews, Marlie Packer, Morwenna Talling, Rosie Galligan, Zoe Aldcroft, Sarah Bern, Lark Atkin-Davies, Mackenzie Carson. Reserves: Amy Cokayne, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir, Sarah Beckett, Maisy Allen, Ella Wyrwas, Megan Jones, Jess Breach.
