Mobbs-Smith wants strong defensive display

RICHMOND head coach David Mobbs-Smith wants a strong defensive display from his side as they bid for a Tyrrells Premier 15s double over Firwood Waterloo.

The all-conquering league leaders Saracens were 41-0 winners over Mobbs-Smith’s side last weekend but Richmond are back at home this time around.

England lock Row Burnfield returns to captain Richmond while Alice Soper has recovered from her ankle injury to start in the front row.

Elsewhere, Jade Wong shifts from nine to ten with Char Keane introduced at scrum-half and Maria Gyolcsos remaining at fullback after her impressive display last week.

“If our defence continues to be as strong as it has been this year, then we should be a tough team to beat at home,” explained Mobbs-Smith.

“We were in the game for a long time at Saracens, and we know that Firwood Waterloo are going to provide a tough challenge for us.”

Firwood Waterloo meanwhile are fresh from their first win of the season against Darlington Mowden Park Sharks last time out and make just two changes to their starting XV.

Sarah Beckett starts at No.8 after making her England Under-20s debut in midweek against the Army with Rachel Porter returning at scrum-half after a long-term absence.

Richmond need a win if they are to remain top of the group of four teams cut off at the bottom of the league table, while Firwood Waterloo will be looking to bridge the gap to Sharks after their loss.