The Black Ferns aren’t lacking for motivation in Canada ahead of their crunch Super Series encounter with World Champions England tomorrow evening in Red Deer (Thursday 10am NZST).

Both sides are unbeaten after registering convincing victories against Canada and the United States respectively, but New Zealand star Honey Hireme knows they now face their toughest test of the quad tournament.

“There’s a lot more waging on this game,” she said.

“There’s a lot of rivalry there and we need to go in with clear heads, play smart and take in that really aggressive attitude that we’re known for.”

The fact it was England who broke New Zealand’s 20 year World Cup reign is not lost on Hireme.

“They did take it away from us last year but in saying that we didn’t actually get a shot at playing them either.

“You can’t shy away from these sort of matches because they either make you or break you,” she added.

The same 23 players who pushed past Canada 40-22 on the weekend will run out against the English in a well balanced side according to assistant coach Wesley Clarke.

?“Last week was our first test since the World Cup and we managed to put together some good tries and some good combinations so we want to stick with them,” he said.

“Some of the girls who missed out are very unlucky. The whole squad has trained well, so it should be motivation for the girls who do get on to play well for those girls who missed out.”

“It’s not every day you get to play the World Champions so we’re very excited about having a go at them.”

Clarke also agreed that this match had an extra edge to it.

“They’re probably our arch nemeses.

“It would be fair to say there’s been a bit of tension in the hotels so it will be a big one and the girls are up for it.”

Clarke expected the English to be typically strong at set piece but believes they will also ask some questions out wide.

?“England’s playing a bit more expansive then we are used to seeing them play so there will be a bit of emphasis on stopping that.”

The occasion will be extra special for 34-year-old Hireme who will be presented with the customary Manaia bone carving to mark a mini milestone.

“I’m really honoured to be playing my 10th game and to receive the carving afterwards,” she said.

“It’s definitely something that I have had as a goal to achieve.”

The cross code star who featured in New Zealand’s victorious World Sevens campaign believes she’s now playing some of her very best rugby.

“Sevens has definitely helped my fifteen’s game and with the Olympics coming up it’s going to be a huge focus.”

For now though, Hireme and her team mates will try and get past England and put themselves one win away from claiming the inaugural Super Series title.

Check out the full team here.

Black Ferns vs. England Kick Off: 4pm (local time)

Thursday July 2, 10am NZST