Middleton challenges experimental line-up to ‘stake their claim’
Simon Middleton, the England women’s head coach, has continued to use the Quilter internationals to experiment as he makes 10 changes to his starting XV to face Canada in Doncaster tomorrow, from the side who demolished the United States 57-5.
As the squad build toward the reintroduction of XVS contracts on Jan 1 and the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, the aim is to give less established players a chance to impress.
Saracens’ Zoe Harrison, 20, starts at fly-half, while Katy Daleymclean, who was imperious in her 100th performance for England last week, is on the bench.
Sarah Hunter, another Red Roses centurion, returns to captain from No8 as part of a changed back row, with Saracens flankers Poppy Cleall and Marlie Packer at blind side and open side respectively. Rachael Burford, who was omitted from the squad last week to allow for Middleton to see how Test debutant centres Tatyana Heard and Carys Williams coped in the Test arena, returns to win her 80th cap. Burford is partnered in the centre by Bristol Bear Lucy Attwood, making her first start for England.
“From the outset, our intention for the Quilter internationals was to give each of the selected squad of 28 players an opportunity to stake their claim,” said Middleton.
“The competition for places is really tough and that’s great to see. There were excellent individual performances against the USA and I expect to see the same on Sunday.”
England will also play their first Test in Yorkshire, at the 5,000-capacity Castle Park.
Despite the Canadians being ranked No4 in the world, they are regarded as a side in decline. Last November England came away with an emphatic 3-0 series whitewash over them.