After suffering their first defeat of their Tyrrells Premier 15s season at the hands of Gloucester-Hartpury last weekend, Richmond Women’s Head Coach Dave Mobbs-Smith has made a host of changes as they host bottom-placed side Worcester on Saturday evening. Kick off 5:15.
Having been one of the pace-setters in the opening two rounds, Richmond were brought back down to earth with a 29-0 defeat on the road. Mobbs-Smith will be hoping his changes will breathe life into his side as they take on Worcester, who are yet to earn a point this season, at the Athletic Ground.
In the pack, French captain Gaelle Mignot moves to hooker with the versatile Victoria Meki starting at prop. Club stalwart Laura Kapo starts in the No 1 jersey in what is set to be her 100th appearance in the old gold, red and black of Richmond. She will no doubt hope to get back to her try-scoring form of Round Two in her milestone appearance.
Second row Sian Hobday returns to partner Rowena Burnfield with Fran Hall shifting back to her usual openside berth.
Zoe Barber continues in the back row, this time on the blindside with the ever present Claire Phelps providing dynamism and power form the base.
In the backs, centre Tamsin Barber comes in to make her first start in the No 12 jersey, Victoria Britland makes way and will look to make an impact from the bench.
Barber partners Jade Wong in the midfield with Steffi Clarke promoted to scrum-half after a stunning performance in the 2nd team’s victory over Wasps on Sunday.
Clarke partners Abi Chamberlain in the half backs. The fly half has been a constant in the three league games to date and will be hoping her side can propel themselves up the table with victory over Worcester.
Anna De Rossi continues on the left wing with Emelie Hellgren another of the players promoted to start in the first team. Katie Wallis completes the line up at full-back.
On the bench, the impressive Libby Povey and Kirsty Lee Griffiths complete the four promoted from the 2nd XV with Kiri Lose, Sophie Barnett, Emily CV Stone and front row Anna Butler also included in the match day 22.
Mobbs-Smith will be expecting a big reaction from his side that performed superbly in the first two rounds and remain within touching distance of the top two.
“There are a number of changes from the Gloucester-Hartpury match day squad of 22,” said Mobbs-Smith.
“After their performances in the 2nd XV win against Wasps there are starts for Steffi Clarke and Emily Hellgren and places on the bench for Libby Povey and Kirsty Lee Griffiths.
“In defeat last weekend on the road the performance was good and the squad’s intention is to turn performance into points. Worcester having started the new campaign on the back foot will be looking to change their current run of form.”
Richmond Team
15 Katie Wallis
14 Emelie Hellgren
13 Jade Wong
12 Tamsin Barber
11 Anna De Rossi
10 Abi Chamberlain
9 Steffi Clarke
1 Laura Kapo
2 Gaelle Mignot
3 Victoria Meki
4 Rowena Burnfield
5 Sian Hobday
6 Zoe Barber
7 Fran Hall
8 Claire Phelps
Replacements
16 Anna Butler
17 Sophie Barnett
18 Libby Povey
19 Emily CV Stone
20 Vic Britland
21 Kirsty Lee Griffiths
22 Kiri Lose
Lead photo shows Fran Hall supported by Zoe Barber and Morgan Simpson
Report courtesy of Richmond FC
