This is not the first time New Zealand’s aura of invincibility has begun to fade.
Ahead of the 2022 home World Cup, they have lost four in a row. They lost twice to England and twice to France.
They then went on to win 16 consecutive games and a home World Cup victory in front of a then-record crowd for a women’s game of 42,579.
Is it part of a great plan? Trying out combinations, testing your depth, and experiencing losses may have helped you draw a blueprint for what it takes to retain the biggest prizes.
But a stunning defeat to sixth-placed Ireland, which England thrashed 88-10 in this year’s Six Nations, would not have been in the plans. That means a loss Sunday would be their third straight loss.
“We know the Black Ferns will always bounce back from disappointment and come back stronger,” England forwards coach Lewis Deacon said.
“We are expecting a really tough game.”
Mitchell’s side have also been testing a number of combinations, with halfbacks Lucy Packer and Joe Harrison starting in the big win over the United States and Natasha Hunt and Holly Acheson being selected this week.
Scrum-half Hunt, who lined out with Aitchison against the Black Ferns last time out, has similar views to the Deacon.
“New Zealand have always been good at throwing the ball well, but I think there is a bit of risk in a New Zealand team with a few injuries.
“There is an element of ‘no fear’ and maybe they have a license to play.
“Especially with the No. 9 and No. 10 jerseys, we need to mix it up and do something different because whatever was happening wasn’t working.”
New Zealand’s lack of response on Sunday could have an impact long felt, while England’s win would extend their winning tally to 19 as they take aim at their unwavering belief.
