Leitch gets nod for ‘title decider’

WORLD Cup winner Marlie Packer is rested for England’s clash with France after injuring her shoulder in the Red Roses’ win over Ireland.

Head coach Simon Middleton makes four changes for the game in Doncaster, which is billed as the title decider.

“We have no misconception of the size of the challenge ahead of us against France on Sunday,” said Middleton.

“Given their recent form and the fact France come into the tournament as champions, they rightly go into the game favourites.”

Saracens flanker Packer is expected to return later in the tournament but is replaced by Poppy Leitch.

Leitch starts for the hosts despite not being under contract for England or in the 35-strong elite player squad.

Joining Leitch in the pack are 2017 World Cup finalists Vickii Cornborough and Abbie Scott, while Poppy Cleall shows her versatility by switching from lock to the back row.

Both sides claimed highscoring victories in round one, with England beating Ireland 51-7 and France defeating Wales 52-3.

Fly-half Katy DaleyMclean, who scored 21 points last weekend, pairs with scrum-half Leanne Riley in an unchanged backline.

England are second in the world rankings, while France – last year’s Grand Slam winners – are third.

Starts: Poppy LeitchMcKenna; Breach, Scarratt, Heard, Smith; DaleyMclean, Riley; Cornborough, Davies, Bern, O’Donnell, Scott, Cleall, Leitch, Hunter.Cokayne, Botterman, Brown, Burnfield, Beckett, Hunt, Harrison, Scott.Boujard, Jason, Menager, Vernier, Murie, Imart, Bourdon; Arricastre, Thomas, Joyeux, Corson, N’Diaye, Hermet, Ferer, MenagerSochat, Traore, Argagnon, Forlani, Diallo, Rivoalen, Lissar, Constanty