Red Roses star calls for side to ‘build on momentum’ as John Mitchell makes mass changes
Red Roses players celebrating a try v USA
Returning Red Roses star Claudia Moloney-MacDonald has called for her side to carry on the momentum from their win over the USA against Samoa this weekend, despite the mass changes to the 23.
Head coach John Mitchell has made 13 changes to the starting XV from last weekend’s 69-7 win over the USA at the Stadium of Light, while two fresh faces also come onto the bench.
The Red Roses once again come into the game against the Pacific Island nation as heavy favourites, and could book their place in the quarter-finals with a win.
‘We want to challenge ourselves’
There is certainly expectation on the Red Roses this weekend, which was only heightened by their emphatic 11-try rout over Ilona Maher’s Eagles last weekend, but winger Moloney-MacDonald insists this is a good chance for them to show just how good they are against the Pacific minnows.
“Maybe you guys (the media) expect us to win emphatically,” said the returning winger. “I don’t know if we have that same expectation of ourselves.
“We want to build on that momentum from the previous game up in Sunderland. We want to challenge ourselves to see how good we can be under the pressure that Samoa give us.
“We expect Samoa to be hugely physical, and I think that presents its own challenge. It’s a challenge with the unknown.
“We’ve obviously seen one game that they’ve played, but at a World Cup, you expect every team to give everything against us.”
The Exeter Chiefs back is one of the 13 changes made to the starting XV for the clash at Franklin’s Gardens, as Mitchell looks to give players some minutes.
Ranked: England fly-half depth chart as star ‘leapfrogs’ Lions tourists but ‘duel’ emerges
Emma Sing comes in at full-back, with Jess Breach and Moloney-MacDonald named on the wings. Meg Jones retains her spot at 13, while Jade Shekells slots in at inside centre. Helena Rowland and Lucy Packer partner in the halves.
Up-front, Maddie Feaunati starts at number eight, with the returning Marlie Packer – who also captains the side – and Abi Burton joining her on the flanks. Rosie Galligan and Lilli Ives Campion start in the second row, with Sarah Bern, Lark Atkin-Davies and Kelsey Clifford named in the front row.
There is a sprinkling of stardust on the bench with Mo Hunt and Ellie Kildunne among the substitutes, while May Campbell and Mackenzie Carson will also make their tournament bow after cracking the bench.
Red Roses team in full
Starting XV: 15 Emma Sing, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Meg Jones, 12 Jade Shekells, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Helena Rowland, 9 Lucy Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati, 7 Marlie Packer (c), 6 Abi Burton, 5 Rosie Galligan, 4 Lilli Ives Campion, 3 Sarah Bern, 2 Lark Atkin-Davies, 1 Kelsey Clifford
Replacements: 16 May Campbell, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Morwenna Talling, 20 Sadia Kabeya, 21 Mo Hunt, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Ellie Kildunne
Date: Saturday, August 30
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Kick-off: 17:00 BST
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Clara Munarini (FIR) and Amber Stamp-Dunstan (WRU)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)
FPRO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)
