Marlie Packer chats to Sky Sports about England's Red Roses losing their winning run, planning a response vs New Zealand and motherhood

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.

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"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 a great game. 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.

"New Zealand can expect a very strong Red Roses team coming at them.

"The fact is we're not a team that worries about what happened last week. We're looking forward and we're looking forward to this game.

"They're going to see a very happy, strong Red Roses team coming in to put on a show for the fans, but also a performance for ourselves.

"I think they're going to be a very strong, dynamic New Zealand team, but we're a very dynamic, strong Red Roses team.

"So for the fans and for the neutral, it's going to be another great game of rugby."

Also on the horizon for Packer is the arrival of her second child, with fiancée and Red Roses team-mate Rosie Galligan due to give birth at the end of next month.

Due to that fact, Packer confirmed she is planning to step away from rugby for a period once the baby arrives.

"I'm really excited. It's five weeks until Rosie [Galligan] has our little girl.

"We're so excited, but for me, it's head into New Zealand this week, and then I can start getting really excited for baby girl to come.

"I won't be going away to Canada for the away leg, I'll be staying here and supporting from the sideline.

"I'll be supporting and cheering on the girls and I'm sure I'll be back on the phone to Mitch [head coach John Mitchell] a couple of times."

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'Edwards wanting to work with us shows where women's rugby is going'

Earlier this week, news emerged former Wales, British and Irish Lions and France defence coach Shaun Edwards had joined the England Women coaching team as a consultant until the end of the WXV Global Series.

Packer believes the appointment points to the progress women's rugby and the Red Roses specifically have made in recent years.

"He's [Edwards] been excellent," Packer said. "He's been in the last couple of days.

"He's got an amazing CV, hasn't he? I think he's won more Six Nations than all of us.

"He's coming in to coach defence and he says it how it is. He's just a great coach to have in.

"And actually, for us to have him until the end of this WXV period, and how wanted to come in and coach women and get involved, is amazing for us.

"It just really shows where the game is going, but also where the women's game for Red Roses is, when coaches of his calibre want to be a part of us.

"It's defence day today, so we've heard his voice! We've learned a couple of new tricks that he's coached us."

WXV Global Series: Red Roses schedule and results

• England 48-15 Australia
• England 26-26 Canada
• September 26 - England v New Zealand (Twickenham)
• October 16 - Canada v England (Toronto)
• October 23 - Canada v England (Ottawa)
• October 30 - USA v England (New Jersey)