After a tight defeat to Harlequins in a brilliant showdown at The Stoop last week, Richmond women head into Sunday’s clash with Loughborough Lightning with confidence high, and looking to end an up and down season on the best of terms. After the game was postponed by the Beast From The East, the duo now go head to head in what will be Richmond’s last home game of the season.
Once again last week, Richmond proved they have a work ethic and a togetherness that few sides can match, and the big ball carrying matched to huge defence sees them in good shape right now. “We’re excited about Loughborough,” said head coach Jon Griffin. “Coming off the back of a great performance last week, our challenge is to maintain that level. We have two big games left to make a mark, and Loughborough are a good young team with a lot of quality – it’ll be a big challenge for us.”
After three wins in their last five, not to mention the bonus point in defeat last weekend, it’s no surprise Richmond have a familiar look about them this weekend, despite the two Six Nations absentees – Row Burnfield and Jade Knight with England and Wales respectively. There is a tweak up front, though, as Charlie Willett is rewarded for a good season by getting her first start. She lines up at six, alongside the usual faces of Zoe Barber and Libby Povey in the back row. Elsewhere in the pack, it’s as you were last weekend, with Laura Kapo once again starting in the front row – the Richmond stalwart has played every first team game this season.
In the backs, meanwhile, Kirsty-Lee Griffiths steps into the number 13 shirt, while Emelie Hellgren – so impressive in the last few weeks – takes the 15 shirt, with Emily CV Stone coming onto the wing. There’s a strong bench in place, too, with the likes of Abi Chamberlain, Jade Wong, Alex Zdunek and Becky Ball alongside another debutant, as Sophia McGauley come into the first team squad for the first team this season.
Richmond Team
1. Laura Kapo (c)
2. Gaelle Mignot
3. Anna Butler
4. Sian Hobday
5. Claire Phelps
6. Charlie Willett
7. Zoe Barber
8. Elizabeth Povey
9. Charlotte Keane
10. Sanna Westman
11. Rachel Laqeretabua
12. Victoria Britland
13. Kirsty-Lee Griffiths
14. Emily CV Stone
15. Emelie Hellgren
16. Alex Zdunek
17. Sophia McGauley
18. Becky Ball
19. Emily Adlam-Cook
20. Tess Braunerova
21. Jade Wong
22. Abi Chamberlain
Report courtesy of Richmond FC
