In a strategic reshuffle for the crucial Six Nations clash with France, Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has introduced seven new faces into his starting lineup, with Ellie Kildunne returning to full-back. The match, a Grand Slam decider, sees the reigning world champions England aiming for their sixth title in seven years, facing a similarly unbeaten French team. This weekend's game promises not only to be a test of skill but of mental fortitude as well.
The changes to the England squad include the introduction of Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya, Maddie Feaunati, Jess Breach, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Mackenzie Carson, and Sarah Bern. The strategic reshuffle sees Kildunne, known for her versatility, move back to the full-back position, while seasoned players Meg Jones and Helena Rowland continue to command the midfield, having started in all previous rounds of the championship.
In the halves, Zoe Harrison and Lucy Packer are set to start, bringing their dynamic partnership into play once more. The forward pack sees Feaunati and Kabeya joining Abi Burton in the back-row, with Campion pairing up with Delaney Burns in the second row. The front row will be anchored by Bern and Carson, with Amy Cokayne continuing her role at hooker.
The bench looks robust with Connie Powell, Liz Crake, Maud Muir, Demelza Short, Marlie Packer, Flo Robinson, Holly Aitchison, and Emma Sing ready to step in. This depth underscores the team’s preparation and readiness to adapt as the game progresses.
"France are a quality side, and we’ve got a huge amount of respect for what they bring and the way they play the game,"
Mitchell remarked, emphasizing the caliber of the opposition. He continued,
"To face them in Bordeaux – in the heart of the south-west, a region so passionate about rugby with a vocal home crowd behind them – is exactly the sort of challenge the girls relish, embrace and walk towards."
Mitchell also highlighted the team's adaptability and growth, "This tournament has demanded adaptability and the ability to learn quickly from us throughout. The girls have stayed connected, composed and continued to grow within our new attacking identity. I’m proud of the way the players have competed for positions, pushed one another every day and earned the right to contest for the Championship."
As the tournament reaches its climax, the significance of this match cannot be understated. Both teams have shown formidable form, setting the stage for what promises to be a riveting encounter. The Red Roses, with their blend of experienced stalwarts and fresh talent, look poised to give a performance that mirrors their championship pedigree.
Red Roses team v France: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Meg Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 6 Abi Burton, 5 Delaney Burns, 4 Lilli Ives Campion, 3 Sarah Bern, 2 Amy Cokayne, 1 Mackenzie Carson Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Liz Crake, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Demelza Short, 20 Marlie Packer, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Emma Sing.
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In a strategic reshuffle for the crucial Six Nations clash with France, Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has introduced seven new faces into his starting lineup, with Ellie Kildunne returning to full-back. The match, a Grand Slam decider, sees the reigning world champions England aiming for their sixth title in seven years, facing a similarly unbeaten French team. This weekend's game promises not only to be a test of skill but of mental fortitude as well.
The changes to the England squad include the introduction of Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya, Maddie Feaunati, Jess Breach, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Mackenzie Carson, and Sarah Bern. The strategic reshuffle sees Kildunne, known for her versatility, move back to the full-back position, while seasoned players Meg Jones and Helena Rowland continue to command the midfield, having started in all previous rounds of the championship.
In the halves, Zoe Harrison and Lucy Packer are set to start, bringing their dynamic partnership into play once more. The forward pack sees Feaunati and Kabeya joining Abi Burton in the back-row, with Campion pairing up with Delaney Burns in the second row. The front row will be anchored by Bern and Carson, with Amy Cokayne continuing her role at hooker.
The bench looks robust with Connie Powell, Liz Crake, Maud Muir, Demelza Short, Marlie Packer, Flo Robinson, Holly Aitchison, and Emma Sing ready to step in. This depth underscores the team’s preparation and readiness to adapt as the game progresses.
"France are a quality side, and we’ve got a huge amount of respect for what they bring and the way they play the game,"
Mitchell remarked, emphasizing the caliber of the opposition. He continued,"To face them in Bordeaux – in the heart of the south-west, a region so passionate about rugby with a vocal home crowd behind them – is exactly the sort of challenge the girls relish, embrace and walk towards."
Mitchell also highlighted the team's adaptability and growth, "This tournament has demanded adaptability and the ability to learn quickly from us throughout. The girls have stayed connected, composed and continued to grow within our new attacking identity. I’m proud of the way the players have competed for positions, pushed one another every day and earned the right to contest for the Championship."
As the tournament reaches its climax, the significance of this match cannot be understated. Both teams have shown formidable form, setting the stage for what promises to be a riveting encounter. The Red Roses, with their blend of experienced stalwarts and fresh talent, look poised to give a performance that mirrors their championship pedigree.
Red Roses team v France: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Meg Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 6 Abi Burton, 5 Delaney Burns, 4 Lilli Ives Campion, 3 Sarah Bern, 2 Amy Cokayne, 1 Mackenzie Carson Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Liz Crake, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Demelza Short, 20 Marlie Packer, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Emma Sing.