‘Big softie’ Kaipo Olsen-Baker is psyching herself up to take on the physically imposing England in a do-or-die match for New Zealand. 

The Black Ferns suffered a shock 29-27 loss to Ireland in the first round of WXV1 and must now take on the No.1 side in the world to have any chance of taking the crown from the Red Roses. 

Olsen-Baker is one of six changes to the forward pack as New Zealand look to avoid a second defeat to England in the space of three weeks, having lost 24-12 when the sides met at Twickenham in September. 

“It is very exciting to get the starting jersey,” the 22-year-old said. “It was tough loss against Ireland, they have a really good pack of 15 across the field. 

“We have gone back to the drawing board, seen what we have had to work on, and we have done that. 

“Preparations are going really well, training has been tough, but we are heading in the right direction, all the girls are amping for this weekend.

“I think we have to get into the headspace, of ‘I want to hurt them’. Their forward pack feels like running into a brick wall, they are a very tough team so getting into that mindset of you want to hurt them.

“It is tough but I love it and it is why I do it I guess, so you have to keep going at them.

“I play aggressive but I am a big softie off the pitch! I maybe just build up anger that I need to let out on the field.” 

There will be a fair amount of anger among the Black Ferns about how they let victory slip away against Ireland. 

Erin King scored right at the death with Dannah O’Brien kicking the conversion to see Ireland earn a historic win in Vancouver. 

England triumphed 61-21 over the USA but had some issues of their own to iron out before coming up against the Black Ferns just down the road in Langley. 

The Red Roses are the defending WXV1 champions having beaten New Zealand on home soil in last year’s competition. 

The tournament in Canada marks Kaipo Olsen-Baker's first major tournament outside of New Zealand having recovered from an injury that she was not sure she would make it back from. 

She added: “It means so much to be able to wear the black jersey again, I wasn’t sure I would be able to do that again.  

“I did have my injuries and then I was able to put the jersey on again, it means so much.

“It has been a dream of mine since I was very little, playing against the boys, being the only girl.

“Just looking back to then, it is amazing how far I have come and I am excited for the next steps and the next journey to come. 

“This is my first overseas tournament so I want to get more knowledge from the coaches around rugby and build more friendships."