Ellie Kildunne and Abi Burton are set to feature for England in the upcoming match, albeit in unfamiliar roles.
In a significant shift, Ellie Kildunne has been named on the wing, deviating from her customary full-back position, as part of a revamped England squad preparing to face Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations this Saturday.
This marks the first instance of the 26-year-old commencing a Six Nations match on the wing.
Further changes see Zoe Harrison, the preferred fly-half during last year’s triumphant Rugby World Cup campaign, reclaiming the number 10 jersey from Holly Aitchison. Meanwhile, back-row Abi Burton is set to play at lock, a position where England’s depth has been considerably tested.
The absence of locks Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Rosie Galligan, all currently pregnant, alongside Morwenna Talling, who sustained a leg injury in the tournament’s opening victory against Ireland, has necessitated these adjustments.
Demelza Short, the 19-year-old rising star from Bristol, is poised to make her debut in the back row, while Gloucester-Hartpury’s Emma Sing, known for her long-range kicking ability, will step into the full-back role.
Kildunne’s positional change could provide her with greater opportunity to showcase her exceptional speed and agility on the flank, but she will need to quickly adapt to the distinct defensive responsibilities of the role.
Scotland v England
Women’s Six Nations
Saturday 18 April, 13:30 BST
Scottish Gas Murrayfield
Live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
Scotland’s fly-half, Helen Nelson, who is ranked fourth in the English top-flight for the number of kicks out of hand, may seek to exploit the space around Kildunne. Rhona Lloyd, lining up opposite Kildunne, has already scored 11 league tries for Sale this season.
“Emma Sing has been outstanding at full-back all season, and she thoroughly deserves this opportunity,” stated England defence coach Sarah Hunter.
“Ellie is a world-class player with the versatility to perform on the wing and the skill set to play the way we intend to.
“It’s exciting to have two in-form players lining up alongside each other.
“Abi [Burton] has a brilliant character, and she immediately embraced the challenge, saying, ‘Alright, I’ll put my head in there.’
“She is willing to do anything for an England shirt, even if it means playing in the second row. Her attitude has been exceptional.”
In other team news, prop Maud Muir earns her 50th cap for England, starting at tighthead in place of Sarah Bern, who is among the replacements, including Marlie Packer, with 112 caps, and Gloucester-Hartpury’s Mia Venner.
England are aiming for their eighth consecutive Women’s Six Nations title, striving to maintain their dominance despite the absence of several key players from last year’s World Cup squad.
Number eight Alex Matthews will miss the Scotland match due to a shoulder injury, and earlier on Thursday, it was announced that prop Hannah Botterman had joined the list of sidelined players with an ankle injury.
“The current situation with absences is quite unprecedented within an England squad in recent years,” Hunter commented.
“Looking at it within a four-year cycle, it could be beneficial to experience this situation now, allowing us to develop and nurture some of the younger players coming through, potentially accelerating their progress.”
Hunter and head coach John Mitchell will be hoping that these enforced changes will lead to the emergence of a new generation of players, while ensuring the Red Roses maintain their grip on the tournament.
However, Scotland, playing in front of a crowd of over 25,000 at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in what will be the largest stand-alone women’s sporting fixture in their country’s history, will be determined to capitalize on any vulnerabilities.
England: Sing; Breach, Jones (capt), Rowland, Kildunne; Harrison, L Packer; Clifford, Cokayne, Muir, Burton, Ives Campion, Short, Kabeya, Feaunati,
Replacements: Powell, Carson, Bern, Lutui, M Packer, Robinson, Aitchison, Venner
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