Head coach Simon Middleton has named his England Women’s team for Friday evening’s Women’s Six Nations Exhibition match against France.
The Red Roses take on Les Bleues (kick-off 2000 BST, live on BBC iPlayer) at Villeneuve d’Ascq, Lille in a re-run of last Saturday’s Six Nations final which the Red Roses edged 10-6.
Captain Sarah Hunter returns to the starting XV with Poppy Cleall at blind-side flanker.
Fresh from being named Player of the Match in last weekend’s final, Zoe Aldcroft starts at lock while there’s a first start this year for fellow lock Harriet Millar-Mills.
Vicky Fleetwood returns to the matchday squad at open-side flanker to earn her 79th cap.
Zoe Harrison starts at fly half with Saracens’ Sarah McKenna at inside centre.
Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach and Abby Dow make up the back three.
Leanne Riley continues at scrum half with vice-captain Emily Scarratt at outside centre.
Harlequins trio Vickii Cornborough, Amy Cokayne and Shaunagh Brown form the front row.
Development players Merryn Doidge and Flo Robinson could earn their first senior caps as they are named among the finishers alongside Hannah Botterman and Sarah Beckett who returns from an injury lay-off.
Cath O’Donnell sustained concussion last weekend and is now following graduated return to play protocols.
Flanker Marlie Packer is ruled out after close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Packer is now isolating for 10 days as per government guidance.
Head coach Simon Middleton said: “We were absolutely delighted to secure the Six Nations title last Saturday.
“Attention quickly turned to Friday’s game. We know France will be hurting and we need to be quick out of the blocks.
“Playing France in France is always a huge challenge and one we’re really looking forward to.
“Although we are missing players, it’s testament to the strength and depth of our squad that we are still able to name a very strong team.
“We’re pleased to have this vital game time against quality opposition.
“It’s a great opportunity to finish this period on a high.”
England team to play France
15. Ellie Kildunne (Wasps FC Ladies, 14 caps)
14. Jess Breach (Harlequins Women, 18 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (VC; Loughborough Lightning, 95 caps)
12. Sarah McKenna (Saracens Women, 35 caps)
11. Abby Dow (Wasps FC Ladies, 17 caps)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women, 29 caps)
9. Leanne Riley (Harlequins Women, 42 caps)
1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Women, 59 caps)
2. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins Women, 56 caps)
3. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Women, 23 caps)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury Women, 23 caps)
5. Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps FC Ladies 61 caps)
6. Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women, 46 caps)
7. Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens Women, 78 caps)
8. Sarah Hunter (C; Loughborough Lightning, 125 caps)
Finishers
16. Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 31 caps)
17. Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women, 21 caps)
18. Bryony Cleall (Saracens Women, 4 caps)
19. Abbie Ward (Harlequins Women, 47 caps)
20. Sarah Beckett (Harlequins Women, 20 caps)
21. Claudia MacDonald (Wasps FC Ladies, 14 caps)
22. Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs Women, 0 caps)
23. Merryn Doidge (Exeter Chiefs Women, 0 caps)
NPR: Detysha Harper (Loughborough Lightning, 5 caps)
Courtesy of the RFU
