The England team to play Fiji
Simon Middleton is taking no chances. The starting Fifteen he has selected for the opening match at Eden Park is as close to a full-strength side as makes no difference.
In the backs Claudia MacDonald plays on the left-wing again, as Abby Dow makes a welcome but cautious reappearance on the bench.
Up front the one obvious absentee is Marlie Packer. Both she and Poppy Cleall (bench-bound here) would be certain starters against France next time round.
As is right and proper, Middleton is treating Fijiana with the utmost respect. He also wants to make sure that the large crowd at New Zealand’s greatest stadium is left in no doubt about England’s all-round strength. Once again, the bench octet looks hideously strong.
Team:
15. Ellie Kildunne, 14. Lydia Thompson, 13. Emily Scarratt, 12. Helena Rowland, 11. Claudia MacDonald, 10. Zoe Harrison, 9. Leanne Infante, 1. Vickii Cornborough, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Zoe Aldcroft, 5. Abbie Ward, 6. Alex Matthews, 7. Sadia Kabeya, 8. Sarah Hunter (captain)
Bench:
16. Connie Powell, 17. Hannah Botterman, 18. Maud Muir, 19.Cath O’Donnell, 20. Poppy Cleall, 21. Lucy Packer, 22. Holly Aitchison, 23. Abby Dow
Match Details:
Saturday 8 October
Eden Park Auckland
Kick-off 04.45 BST
