England: 13 changes for match vs. Samoa in Women’s Rugby World Cup

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

England have made 13 changes to their lineup for their second match in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which will be played against Samoa in Northampton this Saturday. Only two players who started the match against the United States in the tournament debut last week, the victory, are in the starting lineup again. In the backs line, Lucy Packer and Helena Rowland will play as scrum-half and fly-half, respectively. Jade Shekells joins Jones in the midfield.

Jess Breach will play on the right wing, while Claudia Moloney-MacDonald will be on the left wing and Emma Sing in the fullback position. 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. In the third line, Marlie Packer returns as captain in the open flanker position, with Abi Burton on the blind side and Maddie Feaunati at number 8. Coach John Mitchell had previously expressed his plan for the selections in the group stage.

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 it with this selection.

John Mitchell

Mitchell also added:

Our new combination wants to make each other proud and build on our performance against the United States in our opening match.

John Mitchell

The coach concluded:

It will be a great environment for them in one of the most traditional rugby fields in the country. Everyone is excited to go out.

John Mitchell