England surprises: 13 changes for crucial match in Women’s Rugby World Cup

England Makes Drastic Changes to Face Samoa in the Women’s Rugby World Cup

The English team has made 13 changes to their lineup for their second match in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which will be played on Saturday against Samoa in Northampton. Only two players who started the opening match against the United States are in the starting eleven again. In the backs line, Lucy Packer and Helena Rowland will be in charge of the scrum-half and fly-half positions, respectively, while Jade Shekells will accompany Jones in the midfield.

Jess Breach will move to the right wing, while Claudia Moloney-MacDonald will occupy the left wing and Emma Sing will play as fullback. Up front, Kelsey Clifford, Lark Atkin-Davies and Sarah Bern will form the front row, with Lilli Ives Campion and Rosie Galligan in the second row. The third line will see the return of Marlie Packer as captain on the open side, with Abi Burton on the blind side and Maddie Feaunati at number 8.

“It has been in our planning to give everyone playing time during the first two group stage matches and, except for Holly [Aitchison], we have been able to execute that with this selection,” commented coach John Mitchell.

John Mitchell

“Our new combination wants to make each other proud and build on our performance against the United States in our opening match. It will be a great atmosphere for them in one of the country’s most traditional rugby fields. Everyone is excited to go out there.