It’s the midpoint of the Tyrrells Premier 15s, which means the return legs begin this weekend. For Richmond, that means the visit of Bristol to the Athletic Ground, and after David Mobbs-Smith’s side beat the West Country side 31-24 on the opening weekend, revenge is sure to be on the visitors’ mind.
For the hosts, meanwhile, a combination of injury and unavailability means a raft of changes have been made from the side who fell to Wasps last weekend, and after three defeats in a row, Mobbs-Smith knows that this weekend offers a real chance to change the team’s form as well.
Anna Butler at tighthead, Sian Hobday in the second row and Becky Ball in the back row all step up from the bench to start this week, while winger Emily CV Stone and full back Tess Braunerova are both given starting berths after strong showings for the 2nd XV in recent weeks.
The rest of the side remains as it was in recent weeks, with Laura Kapo and Gaelle Mignot making up the front row, and Row Burnfield once again leading from the second row. The back row has the experienced Libby Povey and Chloe Butler alongside Ball, and the trio are sure to carry a lot of ball.
The fleet-footed Jade Knight is sure to keep the tempo high from the number nine spot, while Abi Chamberlain, Vic Britland and Jade Wong will look to create in the midfield, and Alicia McComish retains her spot on the wing. On the bench, Kirsty Lee Griffiths and Charlotte Keane again make the match-day squad, while Courtney Treco comes up from the second team to offer a different option for coach Mobbs-Smith.
The pack have a few new faces in reserve as well, with prop Alex Zdunek and flanker Charlie Willett also stepping up from the 2nd XV after impressive performances. Back rowers Sophie Barnett, and Charlie Willett, and hooker Lydia Zajiczek, complete a strong line-up for Mobbs-Smith, as his side look for a win to get the festive season going.
RICHMOND TEAM
15 Tess Braunerova
14 Emily CV Stone
13 Jade Wong
12 Vic Britland
11 Alicia McComish
10 Abi Chamberlain
9 Jade Knight
1 Laura Kapo
2 Gaelle Mignot
3 Anna Butler
4 Row Burnfield (c)
5 Sian Hobday
6 Becky Ball
7 Libby Povey
8 Chloe Butler
16 Alex Zdunek
17 Lydia Zajiczek
18 Sophie Barnett
19 Charlie Willett
20 Char Keane
21 Kirsty Lee Griffiths
22 Courtney Treco
Report courtesy of Richmond FC