England Women make changes for Scotland clash

February 5, 2014 10:18 pm

England playing against Scotland in 2012 at Lasswade Rugby Club.

England Women’s Head Coach Gary Street has made 13 changes to the team which ran out against France for Sunday’s Six Nations second round clash against Scotland at Aberdeen Grammar (2pm).

Only skipper Katy Mclean, Rachael Burford and Emily Scarratt, who moves to fullback, start a second successive game whilst vice-captain Sarah Hunter and flanker Marlie Packer are also given the nod again.

England duo Mercedes Foy and Sasha Acheson could be set to make their Six Nations debuts as they are named on the bench. Joanne McGilchrist also returns to international action for the first time this season.

Street, whose side were defeated 18-6 by France on Saturday, said: “After a thoroughly disappointing opener to France, it is vital that we bounce back against Scotland and get our Six Nations campaign back on track.

“There are lots of changes to this team but I was always planning on using the majority of our World Cup training squad over the first two games. This is a chance for all the players to put their hands up for the game against Ireland at Twickenham on February 22. We’ve had a good hard look at the game and we are certainly looking to improve in all areas on Sunday but especially around the breakdown. We know we can and will improve, and we have got a big point to prove on Sunday.

“We know Scotland will be up for it at home and need to come out firing. We will not lack any motivation for the game. I want to get our season back on track and show the quality we know we have.”

England team v Scotland

15 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)

14 Lydia Thompson (Worcester)

13 Amber Reed (Bristol)

12 Rachael Burford (Thurrock)

11 Claire Allan (Richmond)

10 Katy Mclean (C) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

9 La Toya Mason (Wasps)

1 Claire Purdy (Wasps)

2 Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield)

3 Laura Keates (Worcester)

4 Rebecca Essex (Richmond)