There is no rest for Richmond Women as the testing fixtures come thick and fast in the Tyrrell’s Premier 15s.
After a tough day at the office against Saracens last weekend, Richmond travel north to take on Firwood Waterloo Ladies in Round Six of the competition, searching for a fourth win that could see them climb into the top four.
Director of Rugby Dave Mobbs-Smith has made four changes to his side to take on Firwood Waterloo in Liverpool on Saturday afternoon. Firwood Waterloo are without a league win, their only result coming last week when they secured a draw at Darlington Mowden Park Sharks.
Having produced consistently impressive performances from the bench, centre Kirsty Lee Griffiths earns a start in the No 13 jersey, she will partner the ever present Victoria Britland in the midfield.
Tess Braunerova also comes in to the starting XV operating at full back for the first time this season. Wingers Rachel Laqeretabua and Kiri Lose provide pace and guile in abundance either side of the newcomer.
Fly-half Abi Chamberlain and scrum-half Steffie Clarke reunite as injury forces Keane to withdraw.
In the pack, Rowena Burnfield returns from England duty to skipper the side in their test in the North West with Claire Phelps her partner in the engine room. Props Laura Kapo and Victoria Meki start either side of French skipper Gaelle Mignot who has shown her vast experience in her tenure at Richmond thus far.
The back row remains unchanged with Chloe Butler, Fran Hall and Zoe Barber the outstanding workers around the park.
Emelie Hellgren and Jade Wong will look to make their mark on Waterloo from the bench come Saturday with Jade Knight also providing cover in the back division.
Forwards Sian Hobday, Becky Ball, Anna Butler and Morgan Simpson will also have to wait in the wings for their chance to impress Mobbs-Smith for a starting spot next weekend.
Though Mobbs-Smith is aware that Richmond may start as favourites, he has urged his side not to take the clash lightly.
”Waterloo Firwood Ladies are an incredibly competitive team and shouldn’t be underestimated because of their league position” he said.
“We are delighted to have Rowena Burnfield back from England duty. Her leadership as captain will be important for what will be a tricky fixture against a side desperate for their first win of the campaign.”
15 Tess Braunerova
14 Rachel Laqeretabua
13 Kirsty Lee Griffiths
12 Vic Britland
11 Kiri Lose
10 Abi Chamberlain
9 Steffi Clarke
1 Laura Kapo
2 Gaelle Mignot
3 Victoria Meki
4 Rowena Burnfield (Capt)
5 Claire Phelps
6 Zoe Barber
7 Fran Hall
8 Chloe Butler
Replacements
16 Morgan Simpson
17 Anna Butler
18 Becky Ball
19 Sian Hobday
20 Jade Knight
21 Jade Wong
22 Emelie Hellgren
Report courtesy of Richmond FC
