After succumbing to the big freeze last weekend, Richmond are ready to return to action this weekend with a cracker at The Stoop. With a festival of women’s sport surrounding the showdown with close neighbours Harlequins, Richmond are ready to play their part.
Richmond have looked a different side in recent months, with a huge defensive side to their game backing up a love of ball carrying, and a work ethic that few sides can match. The results have followed, with three wins in their last four, not to mention a strong showing in defeat at Saracens, and Richmond will be looking to make it four from five on Saturday.
“We are a much more settled and developed team now,” said Abi Chamberlain, who recently played her 100th game for the club, “and with the wins against Waterloo and DMP, and the 2nd team wins against Sheffield and Bristol, we are focusing on keeping the momentum going into the game today.”
Chamberlain takes her spot at 15 this time out, with Sanna Westman returning to the fly half shirt. Maria Gyolcsos and Rachel Laqeretabua were both impressive against Firwood Waterloo last time out, and with the former’s move into the centres, their chances to link up and create will only be increased.
Up front, Row Burnfield’s England duties see Sian Hobday once again step into the second row, while Gaelle Mignot is overlooked by France, meaning she is available to take her place in a strong front row. Elsewhere, it’s as you were for the victory over Firwood Waterloo, with the strong ball-carrying back row once again trusted to cause problems for their visitors.
Richmond Team
1. Laura Kapo (c)
2. Gaelle Mignot
3. Anna Butler
4. Sian Hobday
5. Claire Phelps
6. Rebecca Ball
7. Zoe Barber
8. Libby Povey
9. Charlotte Keane
10. Sanna Westman
11. Rachel Laqeretabua
12. Vic Britland
13. Maria Glycscos
14. Emelie Hellgren
15. Abi Chamberlain
16. Alex Zdunek
17. Chloe Butler
18. Charlie Willett
19. Tess Braunerova
20. Jade Wong
21. Kirsty-Lee Griffiths
22. Oli Davies
Report courtesy of Richmond FC
