Prop Hannah Botterman, one of 10 changes to the starting line-up, wins her 50th cap in the front row.
England won 2023’s inaugural WXV title with victory over New Zealand, as well as their most recent meeting with the Black Ferns, 24-12 at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium last month.
However, New Zealand are the last team to beat the Red Roses, with a dramatic comeback win in the Rugby World Cup final in 2022.
England: Kildunne; Dow, Rowland, Heard, Breach; Aitchison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Aldcroft, Ward, Talling, M Packer, Matthews.
Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Carson, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L Packer, Harrison, Scarratt.