Red Roses team: John Mitchell’s side ‘adapt’ to World Cup-winning trio’s injury blow as changes made for Scotland
Ellie Kildunne (right) is included in England's starting XV, but John Mitchell (left) has made several changes
Red Roses boss John Mitchell has stressed his side have had to adapt their team selection, as further injuries strike the reigning World Cup and Six Nations holders.
The World number ones have made five changes to their starting XV for their trip to Murrayfield on Saturday, which come in the wake of Hannah Botterman and May Campbell being ruled out for the rest of the Championship, while double World Cup winner Alex Matthews is also unavailable for selection.
These are the latest injury blows the Red Roses have suffered in the early stages of their Six Nations campaign, with Natasha Hunt, Morwenna Talling, and Tatyana Heard also ruled out for the rest of the Championship.
John Mitchell makes changes amid latest injury blows
While Mitchell is without some key players ahead of their visit north of the border, he has still selected a very strong team with several World Cup heroes included.
Maud Muir is the headline selection in England’s starting XV this weekend, with the Gloucester-Hartpury prop winning her 50th cap, while uncapped Bristol Bears forward Demelza Short comes straight onto the blindside flank. Elsewhere, Emma Sing also comes into the run-on group at full-back in a move which pushes Ellie Kildunne to the wing, Zoe Harrison comes in at fly-half and Abi Burton slots in at lock.
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Sing and Kildunne are named alongside Jess Breach in an exciting back-three, with captain Meg Jones again starting alongside Helena Rowland in midfield. Lucy Packer continues at nine, joining the aforementioned Harrison in the halves.
Maddie Feaunati and Sadia Kabeya start alongside debutant Short in the back-row, donning eight and seven respectively, with Ives Campion partnering Burton in the engine room. Maud also slots into the front-row alongside Amy Cokayne and Kelsey Clifford.
Connie Powell, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Bern, Marlie Packer and Holly Aitchson bring plenty of experience to the squad from the bench, while two-capped Mia Venner and one-capped duo Haineala Lutui and Flo Robinson round off the 23.
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Commenting on his selection, boss Mitchell said: “Last week was a positive start for us at home against Ireland. It was a special occasion to open the tournament at Allianz and a great opportunity for this group to come together, but we know there’s plenty we can improve. Our focus this week has been on being honest about those learnings and turning them into actions as we prepare for Scotland.
“We’ve had to adapt to a number of changes with injuries to teammates who are hugely valued within the group, but that’s part of the culture we’re building. It creates opportunities for others to step up and highlights the depth we’re continuing to grow, both for now and the future. There’s a real hunger in this group to keep pushing forward, regardless of the challenges we face.”
“We’re expecting a brilliant atmosphere in Scotland, and it’s fantastic to see the game continuing to grow, with what will be a record crowd for a standalone women’s sporting event there. That’s something everyone involved should be proud of, and it sets the stage for a great contest on Saturday.”
Red Roses team v Scotland in full
Starting XV: 15 Emma Sing, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Meg Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Ellie Kildunne, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 6 Demelza Short, 5 Lilli Ives Campion, 4 Abi Burton, 3 Maud Muir, 2 Amy Cokayne, 1 Kelsey Clifford
Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Marlie Packer, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Mia Venner
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