Ellie Kildunne returns for Red Roses as John Mitchell makes bold declaration ahead of World Cup semi-final
Ellie Kildunne returns to England's starting line-up for the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final.
England have been handed a double boost ahead of their Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final with France after Ellie Kildunne and Hannah Botterman return to the side.
Head coach John Mitchell has made four changes to his Red Roses line-up to play France in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final at Ashton Gate, Bristol on Saturday.
Full-back Kildunne and prop Botterman return to the starting XV after missing the World Cup quarter-final victory over Scotland, while fly-half Zoe Harrison and lock Abbie Ward are promoted from the replacements.
Jess Breach ever present
With six tries in the tournament to date, Jess Breach remains an ever-present on the wing with Megan Jones, the only other England player to start every game to date, named at outside centre.
Abby Dow hit 50 England tries on the weekend and continues on the wing. Scrum-half Natasha Hunt and inside centre Tatyana Heard complete the backline.
Botterman’s inclusion in the front-row sees her link up with hooker Amy Cokayne and tighthead prop Maud Muir for the third time in the tournament.
Player-of-the-match against Scotland, Morwenna Talling, packs down in the second-row alongside Ward. Captain Zoe Aldcroft, Sadia Kabeya and Alex Matthews make up a familiar back-row partnership.
Mitchell said: “Ashton Gate set the stage for a strong performance in tough conditions last weekend, and the girls are eager to get back out there for the semi-final.
“We’ve earned this stage, and now we’ve got another chance to earn the right. Our game is working and is the right way; by working together we’ll keep getting better.
“France have faced challenges, and that will drive them – we expect it. We don’t need to be perfect, just effective, focused, and ready for the fight. We’re excited and ready to hunt them.”
England team v France
Red Roses: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Abby Dow, 13 Megan Jones, 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Jess Breach, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Natasha Hunt, 8 Alex Matthews, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 6 Zoe Aldcroft (c), 5 Abbie Ward, 4 Morwenna Talling, 3 Maud Muir, 2 Amy Cokayne, 1 Hannah Botterman
Replacements: 16 Lark Atkin-Davies, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Maddie Feaunati, 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Helena Rowland
Date: Saturday, September 20
Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol
Kick-off: 15:30 BST (14:30 GMT)
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Clara Munarini (FIR), Kat Roche (USAR)
TMO: Rachel Horton (RA)
FPRO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)
