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England are making 13 changes ahead of the World Cup clash with South Africa, with Simon Middleton’s squad already secured quarter-finals qualification… while Marlie Packer heads the Red Roses for the first time
- Simon Middleton made 13 changes for England’s clash with South Africa
- The Red Roses have already secured their place in the quarterfinals after two wins
- England defeated Fiji 84-19 to take a narrow 13-7 win against France
- Only Marlie Packer and Zoe Harrison will keep their starting places on the team
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Red Roses head coach Simon Middleton has made a massive 13 changes to his starting squad ahead of England’s World Cup game against South Africa on Sunday.
England have already sealed their place in the quarter-finals in New Zealand thanks to opening wins over Fiji and France.
Middleton admitted he planned to rotate for the final pool game. But the magnitude of his variety still comes as a shock.
Only flanker Marlie Packer and fly-half Zoe Harrison keep their starting spots of the team that passed France 13-7.
England head coach Simon Middleton has made a whopping 13 changes to his starting XV
With Captain Sarah Hunter and Vice Captain Emily Scarratt on the bench, Packer and Harrison fill those roles. Packer leads her country for the first time.
“I’d like to give a mention to our captain for this game, Marlie,” Middleton said.
“Marlie is a world class player, an extremely popular member of the group, supportive on and off the pitch and plays a huge part in directing the team.
“I know the entire players and staff group are delighted to have her in the lead this week and she’s very proud.”
Middleton added: “We are really looking forward to our last pool game on Sunday in a new stadium.
Captain Sarah Hunter (left) has fallen on the bench for the final pool match with South Africa
“I was very happy with the performance against France. We dominated large parts of the game and I thought the score didn’t match the game as a whole.
“We know we need to be more clinical in the future, but our game management was world class. We barely gave France a look and the way we finished the game showed all the composure we have come to expect from the team.
“The game against South Africa is an extremely important one as it dictates our passage and route into the quarter-finals.
“It is also the first time that the majority of our starting XV have entered a World Cup match, something to be celebrated for each individual and collective. We are all very curious how they are doing.’
Amy Cokayne, Vickii Cornborough, Sarah Bern, Zoe Aldcroft and Leanne Infante are also all on the couch.
Hannah Botterman, Connie Powell and Maud Muir form a new look from the front row.
England made it two wins out of two at the Women’s World Cup with the win against France
Poppy Cleall starts at number 8, while Morwenna Talling is on the blind flanker. Rosie Galligan and Cath O’Donnell are the closing pair.
Harlequins’ Lucy Packer starts at scrum half with Sarah McKenna (full back), Abby Dow (right wing) and Jess Breach (left wing) making up the back three.
Tatyana Heard (inside center) and Holly Aitchison (off center) have also been selected.
Even with 13 substitutions, England should be too strong for South Africa. Middleton added: “South Africa has shown that it is a strong side in their first two games against France and Fiji and we expect this weekend’s game to be no different.
The Red Roses have already secured their place in the quarterfinals of the tournament
“They are developing well and it shows in their program and the work of Lynne Cantwell (high performance manager), Stanley Raubenheimer (head coach) and their staff.
Team England will play against South Africa (kick-off: Sunday 5:45 am):
Sarah McKenna; Abby Dow, Holly Aitchison, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach; Zoe Harrison, Lucy Packer; Hannah Botterman, Connie Powell, Maud Muir, Rosie Galligan, Cath O’Donnell, Morwenna Talling, Marlie Packer (capt), Poppy Cleall
Substitutes: Amy Cokayne, Vickii Cornborough, Sarah Bern, Zoe Aldcroft, Sadia Kabeya, Leanne Infante, Emily Scarratt, Helena Rowland