Ellie Kildunne is back in action for England's critical showdown in the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final against France, bolstering the Red Roses with her return to the starting line-up. The team also welcomes back Hannah Botterman, adding significant strength to the squad as they gear up to take the field at Ashton Gate, Bristol this coming Saturday.
The Red Roses head coach, John Mitchell, has shaken things up with four strategic changes to his starting XV. Alongside full-back Kildunne and prop Botterman, fly-half Zoe Harrison and lock Abbie Ward have been escalated from the bench following their quarter-final triumph over Scotland.
Winger Jess Breach, with six tries under her belt this tournament, continues to be a crucial player, maintaining her starting position alongside Megan Jones who also remains a fixture at outside centre. Abby Dow, celebrating a milestone of 50 tries for England last weekend, will keep her spot on the wing as well.
The revamped front-row sees Botterman team up with hooker Amy Cokayne and tighthead prop Maud Muir, marking their third collective appearance in the competition. In the locks, player-of-the-match against Scotland, Morwenna Talling, joins forces with Ward.
The familiar back-row trio of captain Zoe Aldcroft, Sadia Kabeya, and Alex Matthews rounds out a formidable pack ready to challenge the French side.
"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,"
said Mitchell.
"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."
With strategic changes and key players back in the fold, England is poised for what promises to be a riveting contest against France. The stage is set for an intense battle, with both sides aiming to secure their spot in the final.
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)
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Ellie Kildunne is back in action for England's critical showdown in the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final against France, bolstering the Red Roses with her return to the starting line-up. The team also welcomes back Hannah Botterman, adding significant strength to the squad as they gear up to take the field at Ashton Gate, Bristol this coming Saturday.
The Red Roses head coach, John Mitchell, has shaken things up with four strategic changes to his starting XV. Alongside full-back Kildunne and prop Botterman, fly-half Zoe Harrison and lock Abbie Ward have been escalated from the bench following their quarter-final triumph over Scotland.
Winger Jess Breach, with six tries under her belt this tournament, continues to be a crucial player, maintaining her starting position alongside Megan Jones who also remains a fixture at outside centre. Abby Dow, celebrating a milestone of 50 tries for England last weekend, will keep her spot on the wing as well.
The revamped front-row sees Botterman team up with hooker Amy Cokayne and tighthead prop Maud Muir, marking their third collective appearance in the competition. In the locks, player-of-the-match against Scotland, Morwenna Talling, joins forces with Ward.
The familiar back-row trio of captain Zoe Aldcroft, Sadia Kabeya, and Alex Matthews rounds out a formidable pack ready to challenge the French side.
"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,"
said Mitchell."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."
With strategic changes and key players back in the fold, England is poised for what promises to be a riveting contest against France. The stage is set for an intense battle, with both sides aiming to secure their spot in the final.
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)