Richmond Women’s Head Coach David Mobbs-Smith has made four changes from his side that went down at Loughborough Lightning last weekend, as he prepares his squad for their first Women’s Premier 15s local derby against Harlequins on Saturday at 2.30pm.
Mobbs-Smith’s side will have three weeks off following this weekend’s encounter, and so will be looking to pick up some momentum following last weekend’s defeat to Loughborough.
The key change comes in the No 10 jersey, with regular fly-half Abigail Chamberlain restored to the starting side. She is joined in the half backs by Jade Knight, who did enough last weekend to keep Char Keane on the bench.
Outside them, Vic Britland – who has been a mainstay in the side this season – and Kirsty Lee Griffiths continue in the midfield having performed well against Lightning.
Alicia McComish comes in on the wing, where she joins Kiri Lose and full back Katie Wallis in a back three who are likely to have their work cut out against a side that has secured a try-scoring bonus-point in each of their seven victories so far this season.
Up front, Mobbs-Smith makes changes either side of French skipper Gaelle Mignot, with Morgan Simpson and Anna Butler replacing Victoria Meki and Laura Kapo respectively.
Behind the front row, the same five faces as last week take their place, but a minor positional change sees Chloe Butler move up into the second row with Claire Phelps taking the number eight spot. Zoe Barber and Fran Hall complete the back row, with captain Row Burnfield again leading from the middle of the pack.
Among the replacements are front rower Laura Kapo and forwards Sian Hobday, Libby Povey and Becky Ball, while backs Anna de Rossi and Jade Wong have had their fair share of starts this season, and will be itching to make their mark on this derby.
“The visit of Harlequins at the Athletic Ground for the first time in the Tyrrells Premeir 15s has finally arrived,” said Mobbs-Smith ahead of what should be a monumental clash.
“It is a new era in West London, and this week’s training has been focused on the energy and motivation to perform on Saturday. Our desire to perform is as great as for any fixture this season.”
Richmond Team to play Harlequins
15 Katie Wallis
14 Kiri Lose
13 Kirsty Lee Griffiths
12 Vic Britland
11 Alicia McComish
10 Abi Chamberlain
9 Jade Knight
1 Anna Butler
2 Gaelle Mignot
3 Morgan Simpson
4 Row Burnfield (c)
5 Chloe Butler
6 Zoe Barber
7 Fran Hall
8 Claire Phelps
16 Libby Povey
17 Laura Kapo
18 Sian Hobday
19 Rebecca Ball
20 Char Keane
21 Jade Wong
22 Anna De Rossi
Report courtesy of Richmond FC
