Bristol's England prop Sophie Hemming wants her country to lay down a marker ahead of next year's World Cup when they face reigning champions New Zealand tomorrow.

England, who have won their last 21 home games, are the World Cup hosts in September 2010 – but face a Black Ferns side who have won the last three World Cups.

And Hemming is eager for England to prove their credentials in tomorrow's clash at Esher RFC and against the same opponents at Twickenham the following Saturday.

"This is a really big game for us," said Hemming. "The last time England played New Zealand was in the 2006 final and England lost 25-17.

"I was back home watching it on television and it was a really close game, so I am really excited to be playing against New Zealand this weekend.

"We want to know where we are at, as do New Zealand, going into a World Cup year.

"This weekend – and the following weekend at Twickenham – is all about finding out where we are and where we need to improve.

"Obviously we are focused on Saturday's game, but in the back of our minds we're building towards the World Cup, because it is only 10 months away."

Hemming and No 8 Catherine Spencer, who will captain England tomorrow, are the two Bristol representatives in the senior national squad.

But Bristol have also had seven players named in the England A squad to face New Zealand, again at Esher, on Tuesday evening.

"It's great to have seven players in the England A squad, as well as myself and Catherine in the Test team," said Hemming.

"We have recruited really well this season and we have some really talented players who have stepped up from England Under-20s to England A this year."

Skipper Spencer, meanwhile, has labelled the forthcoming two-Test series against New Zealand "a massive opportunity" for England.

"They have got an impressive record, and I know that they will have a side full of great rugby players," she said.

"They will have great game sense, will be comfortable and skilful on the ball, but we have that level of skill too, and despite losing some key players we know that this is a massive opportunity for us."

England: C Barras (Saracens); K Merchant (Worcester), E Scarratt (Lichfield), A Richardson (Richmond), F Pocock (Richmond); K Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park), A Turner (Richmond); C Purdy (Wasps), A Garnett (Saracens), S Hemming (Bristol), R Essex (Richmond), J McGilchrist (Wasps), H Fisher (Worcester), M Alphonsi (Saracens), C Spencer (capt, Bristol). Reps: S Reeve (Worcester), R Crowley (Lichfield), T Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park), J Leonard (Team Northumbria/Army), L Mason (Wasps), R Burford (Richmond), C Allan (Richmond).