John Mitchell has done the decent thing by picking a formidable starting XV, but far from his first choice.
The Team (15-1)
SING ROWLAND JONES SHEKELLS BREACH HARRISON L. PACKER FEAUNATI M. PACKER BURTON IVES CAMPION WARD BERN ATKIN-DAVIES K. CLIFFORD
Bench: CAMPBELL BOTTERMAN MUIR ALDCROFT KABEYA HUNT HEARD DOW
Not for the first time, we may call that bench the strongest England have ever assembled.
Mitchell has till managed to bluff us with a surprise or two. Leading the way, the choice of Helena Rowland on the wing. This move underlines her exceptional all-round ability. By my reckoning it leaves her short of only the 9 and 11 shirts from a complete set in the backs.
It may also bear upon the need to consider Claudia Moloney-Macdonald as scrum-half as well as winger.
Inevitably, my wild guesses at a starting Fifteen proved wide of the mark; no Emily Scarratt at 13. Instead Meg Jones claims her place as she is one of the two co-captains appointed.
The same goes for Marlie Packer, though her place in a starting choice is more in doubt. Next week’s side against France may reveal more of the boss’s thinking.
Some Background
The more I thought about this fixture; the more fascinated I became.
The management decided on two warm-ups; the one against Les Bleues was pretty obvious; against Las Leonas less so.
I was present at their last meeting in Dublin as the opening match of the 2017 RWC. England ran out comfortable winners 56-5, but a good time was had by all. The Spanish support was enthusiastic.
I’m delighted by this new contest, but suspect it will benefit the visitors more than the hosts. At least it renews a rivalry which used to be far more regular a decade or two ago.
One sensitive point is the choice of venue, Mattioli-Woods Stadium in Leicester.
The contrast between the arena and the current state of its current women’s team, Leicester Tigers, could hardly be more extreme.
At least the city lies in the centre of the nation; so it’s more conveniently sited for would-be spectators than many recent alternatives.
I fear another one-sided result.
