Fresh faces earn call for Canada challenge
TEENAGE flanker Sadia Kabeya and wing Heather Cowell will make their debuts against Canada today as England look to make it three wins on the bounce this autumn.
Kabeya, 19, is in the back row with Loughborough teammate Sarah Hunter, who returns to the starting XV at six and reclaims the England captaincy.
Last weekends captain Poppy Cleall keeps hold of the No.8 shirt and will be vice-captain.
England face the world number three side at Twickenham Stoop after claiming two record wins against New Zealand.
The Black Ferns will host the World Cup in 2022 and England head coach Simon Middleton said both Kabeya and Cowell have the chance to claim their place in the squad for the tournament.
Middleton said: “I’m delighted with the results and performances of our opening two games against New Zealand, both of which were also fantastic occasions.
“Our attentions have now shifted and we are fully focussed on Sunday’s game against Canada.
“We’re delighted to give two players their first caps. Sadia has been brilliant since she came into camp in pre-season. She’s a fantastic athlete and someone we’ve been aware of for a long time.
“A winger’s job is to score tries and Heather Cowell does just that. The way she goes about her business is brilliant. Both players deserve their starts.
“Canada are a very strong and physical side and we know we need to be at our best to come out on top. Preparations have gone well this week and we’re all looking forward to the game.”
Cleall’s 91-year-old grandmother will be one of several family members watching at The Stoop as the forward earns her 50th Red Roses cap, a milestone also celebrated by lock Abbie Ward.
“Abbie and Poppy have been an integral part of our squad for a number of years and we’re looking forward to celebrating and acknowledging their 50th caps at The Stoop,” added Middleton.
In the continued absence of injured centre Emily Scarratt, Lagi Tuima gets her chance to start at 13 as Holly Aitchison is pushed to the bench.
Impresive full-back Ellie Kildunne – a try-scorer in both of England’s wins against the Black Ferns – drops out of the matchday 23 as Sarah McKenna makes her first start of the autumn.
Zoe Harrison and Helena Rowland are once again at 10 and 12, while Claudia MacDonald starts at scrum-half and prop Hannah Botterman returns to the front row.
Middleton has included six forwards on the bench to cope with the visitors” powerful pack.
Many of the Canadians will be familiar to the Red Roses as they play in the Premier 15s league.
Canada’s front row of Olivia DeMerchant, Emily Tuttosi and DaLeaka Menin all play at Exeter Chiefs, while wing Paige Farries is at Worcester Warriors. Lock Emma Taylor is a former Saracen and replacement prop Alex Ellis is a current player at the London club.