England are boosted by the returns of Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya and Maddie Feaunati as they prepare to face France in a crucial Guinness Women’s Six Nations clash this Sunday.
The Red Roses currently sit top of the table after four wins from four but they are only above France due to points difference with Les Bleues also undefeated so far in this campaign.
Campion, Kabeya and Feaunati all missed England’s 33-61 triumph away to Italy last Saturday and will line-up at second row, openside flanker and Number 8 respectively.
They are three of seven changes made by head coach John Mitchell with Jess Breach, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern also returned to the starting XV. Kelsey Clifford misses out due to a leg injury.
Breah and Moloney-MacDonald will take up their spots in the wings meaning Ellie Kildunne makes the switch to full-back while Carson starts at loosehead prop and Bern at tighthead prop.
The rest of the line-up is more of the same as captain Megan Jones, who has played every minute of the Six Nations so far, partners Helena Rowland in the centre. Lucy Packer and Zoe Harrison combine in the half-back positions for a third away match in a row.
Forward Abi Burton is named at blindside flanker behind ever-present hooker Amy Cokayne and lock Delaney Burns.
“France are a quality side, and we’ve got a huge amount of respect for what they bring and the way they play the game,” Mitchell said.
“To face them in Bordeaux - in the heart of the south-west, a region so passionate about rugby with a vocal home crowd behind them - is exactly the sort of challenge the girls relish, embrace and walk towards. With that support comes expectation and pressure, and Francois has already laid down the challenge to his players.
“This tournament has demanded adaptability and the ability to learn quickly from us throughout. The girls have stayed connected, composed and continued to grow within our new attacking identity. I’m proud of the way the players have competed for positions, pushed one another every day and earned the right to contest for the Championship.
“We understand the significance of the performance ahead and what it would mean to us, but our focus remains firmly on trusting our game, staying present, being courageous, creating stronger connections and continuing to act selflessly for one another, throughout this tournament.”
England XV to take on France in Bordeaux (Sunday 17 May, 4.45pm BST): 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Sarah Bern; 4 Lilli Ives Campion, 5 Delaney Burns; 6 Abi Burton, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Maddie Feaunati; 9 Lucy Packer, 10 Zoe Harrison; 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 12 Helena Rowland, 13 Megan Jones, 14 Jess Breach, 15 Ellie Kildunne.
Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Liz Crake, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Demelza Short, 20 Marlie Packer, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Emma Sing.
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