(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
England Announce 13 Changes for Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool Clash Against Samoa
England have significantly reshaped their lineup for their second Women’s Rugby World Cup pool stage fixture, with head coach John Mitchell introducing 13 changes ahead of the clash with Samoa at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton.
Only centre Meg Jones and wing Jess Breach keep their starting places from the dominant opening win against the United States. The rotation had been part of Mitchell’s early tournament planning, aimed at giving squad members valuable game time in the first two rounds.
The Red Roses are boosted by the return of Helena Rowland and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald from injury. Rowland, known for her versatility, starts at fly-half after featuring on the wing in the warm-up victory over Spain. Moloney-MacDonald joins Breach and Emma Sing in the back three.
Marlie Packer captains the side from flanker as England continue without injured lock Zoe Aldcroft, who is sidelined for the rest of the group stage with a knee issue. Despite the setback, Packer emphasized the strength of England’s leadership group, highlighting the support of vice-captain Meg Jones and Aldcroft herself during preparations.
There will be World Cup debuts for lock Lilli Ives Campion and back-row forward Abi Burton, while No. 8 Maddie Feaunati makes her first World Cup start against Samoa, the country for which her father, Zak Feaunati, earned 13 international caps.
Head coach Mitchell confirmed the selection aligns with England’s strategy of rotating players early in the competition:
“It has been in our planning to give everyone game time over the first two pool matches, and this selection allows us to do that. Only Holly Aitchison remains sidelined, but she is expected to feature against Australia.”
England began their campaign with a commanding 69–7 victory over the USA and are expected to carry momentum into Saturday’s fixture against a Samoa side heavily beaten by Australia in their opener. The Red Roses will conclude Pool A next weekend with a high-profile clash against Australia in Brighton.
England XV to face Samoa (Saturday, 30 August, 5pm BST):
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Kelsey Clifford, 2. Lark Atkin-Davies, 3. Sarah Bern;
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Lilli Ives Campion, 5. Rosie Galligan;
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Abi Burton, 7. Marlie Packer (capt.), 8. Maddie Feaunati;
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Lucy Packer, 10. Helena Rowland;
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Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 12. Jade Shekells, 13. Meg Jones, 14. Jess Breach;
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Emma Sing.
Replacements: 16. May Campbell, 17. Mackenzie Carson, 18. Maud Muir, 19. Morwenna Talling, 20. Sadia Kabeya; 21. Natasha Hunt, 22. Zoe Harrison, 23. Ellie Kildunne.
