Harrison given reins to stake claim at No.10
England v Canada
THE RED Roses face Canada today looking to build on their comfortable 54-5 win over USA.
England played the Canadians three times last autumn, claiming three successes in a row as they continue to build towards the 2021 World Cup.
After a Women’s Six Nations that saw Simon Middleton’s side edged out by France for the Grand Slam, this autumn is about continuing to bring through the next generation of talent.
Middleton said: “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 within a Test match environment.
“The competition for places is really tough within the squad and that’s great to see. There were some excellent individual performances against the USA on Friday and I will expect to see the same on Sunday against Canada.
“We are really excited to play in Yorkshire and are looking forward to a great crowd and atmosphere at Castle Park on Sunday.”
Middleton makes ten changes from the team that downed the USA.
Sarah Hunter comes into the pack at No.8 and will captain the side while flyhalf Katy Daley-McLean – who brought up 100 caps last weekend – drops to the bench.
Zoe Harrison comes in at No.10 in a backline that also sees Lucy Attwood make her first start in the centre alongside the experience of Rachael Burford.
Millie Wood comes onto the wing while Sarah McKenna and Kelly Smith complete the back three with Leanne Riley scrumhalf.
In the pack, Saracens duo Marlie Packer and Poppy Cleall bring their experience to the back row either side of Hunter while the engine room sees Catherin O’Donnell and Abbie Scott paired together.
Loosehead Vickii Cornborough packs down in the front row with Lark Davies at hooker and Hannah Botterman at tighthead.
Rachael Burford will make her 80th England appearance – in an inexperienced backline that includes Millie Wood, Lucy Attwood, Kelly Smith and Zoe Harrison who only have 14 caps combined.
England will then be up against Ireland at Twickenham in their final game next weekend.